Mystery, Excitement, and Controversy, Oh My! Becoming an Epidemiologist
How would you like a job where every day brings a new and challenging medical mystery?
Half a hundred elementary school children are suddenly affected by cramps and nausea…600 people in a single community are stricken with tuberculosis…A woman is attacked by flesh-eating bacteria…
No, it’s not the X-files. These are real-life cases that epidemiologist Dr. Kathy Gensheimer has encountered—and solved—in the course of her public health career, which was profiled by Tom Weber in the Bangor Daily News.
Weber quotes Gensheimer as saying, "Public health really grew on me. Instead of having an individual as a patient, I had a whole community as my patient. The idea was to do the most I could to help the greatest number of people, and it was exciting to intervene to help stop unnecessary illness and unnecessary death."
Stopping unnecessary illness, as Gensheimer puts it, could be seen as the key element that differentiates the public health model from the medical health model. Medical health focuses on reversing or curing disease after it has occurred, while public health is interested in preventing the causes and conditions.
Public health has five core concentration areas, of which epidemiology is one. An epidemiologist works to investigate the causes of food poisoning, influenza and other outbreaks, and to halt their spread. In addition, epidemiologists do ongoing fieldwork to explore the causes of disease or injury, understand the risks, and identify most at-risk population segments. Their jobs have much in common with detective work, and they are often dubbed “disease detectives.”
What Makes An Epidemiology Career So Appealing?
Epidemiologists...
- Oversee public health programs, including statistical analysis, health care planning, surveillance systems, and public health improvement.
- Investigate diseases or parasites to determine cause and risk factors, progress, life cycle, or mode of transmission.
- Plan and direct studies to investigate human or animal disease, preventive methods, and treatments for disease.
- Plan, administer and evaluate health safety standards and programs to improve public health, conferring with health department, industry personnel, physicians and others.
- Provide expertise in the design, management and evaluation of study protocols and health status questionnaires, sample selection and analysis.
Could A Career In Epidemiology Be Right For You?
View this short Epidemiology Career Video that offers insights into the many different career paths embodied in this exciting, critical health profession. Epidemiology can be an intense field, as you’ll be working with controversial topics and facing public scrutiny. For example, the elementary school children that Gersheimer investigated turned out to be suffering from an overdose of sodium fluoride. You may recall reading heated debates about the pros and cons of sodium flouride water treatment in the news. Could you handle the challenges implicit in working in a controversial area like that? Could you cope with the responsibility of publicly reporting your research on worldwide epidemics like swine flu, avian flu and mad cow disease? Would you enjoy a job in which your decisions affected the health of hundreds or even millions of people?
If you think you could handle the challenges of a career in epidemiology, the next thing to do is look into getting the proper training and certifications. The first step towards pursuing a career in epidemiology requires a bachelor’s degree, preferably with a background in any of the health sciences, biology, or nursing. After graduating from college, the next step is to earn a master`s degree in public health at an accredited school of public health.
Health professionals from diverse backgrounds such as policy makers, physicians, Nurses, clinical research professionals, microbiologists, and health educators who are interested in epidemiology also have the option of earning a professional Certificate in Epidemiology & Biostatistics which provides research-oriented training in the theory and tools of core public health disciplines without the need to obtain a Master’s in Public Health degree.
Epidemiology is an interdisciplinary field, meaning that it crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries and involves diverse fields of study. You will study quantitative skills such as biostatistics and computer applications. You’ll also learn a vast array of methods to foster health promotion and disease prevention and to evaluate the quality of health care.
Online Public Health Degree Programs Can Get You There Faster
Like many students who want to pursue a public health career, you may be weighing the benefits of an online degree. An online public health degree or epidemiology certificate program will enable you to earn your degree faster so you can get out there and make a difference in the real world. You’ll also save money and enjoy the convenience of studying from home, while applying your new understanding and insights to the community in which you live.
Never before has disease prevention and health promotion been more important. As world events develop, with the added threat of bio-terrorism and other emerging public health issues, those who can apply knowledge gained through research to real-world problems are in great demand across all sectors: healthcare, pharmaceuticals, governmental & non-governmental agencies, business and academia.
Remember smallpox? One of the most deadly and fast-spreading diseases in history, it was wiped off the face of the earth by epidemiologists by 1980. If you decide to pursue a career in epidemiology, you could be playing a role in the next revolutionary landmark in disease prevention. Mystery, excitement and controversy: they’re all in a day’s work for an epidemiologist.
Earn Your Public Health Degree Online
Get the education and credentials you need for a successful career in Public Health. Take the first step towards earning an accredited degree in public health online through your choice of top ranked schools by requesting additional program information today:
Explore Online Public Health Degree Programs
Kaplan University
Campus
Advance your career and get the distinct competitive advantage you need with an online degree from Kaplan University. And do it without missing a day of work.
Programs:- MS in Health Education
- Master of Public Health
- Master of Public Administration - Governmental Management
- Fort Lauderdale
Grand Canyon University
Campus
Don't Miss a Day of Your Future! Grand Canyon University is offering Bachelor and Master degrees through our College of Education, Ken Blanchard College of Business, College of Nursing & Health Sciences, College of Liberal Arts, and College of Entrepreneurship. Classes start soon!
Programs:- Master of Public Health
- B.S. in Health Care Administration
- Phoenix
Walden University
Online
Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.
Programs:- Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration - Mixed-Model - Health Policy
- Ph.D. in Public Health
- Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration - Course-based - Health Policy
Kaplan University International
Campus
Programs:
- Accelerated BS Public Health to Master in Public Health
- Master of Public Health
- BS in Health and Wellness
- Fort Lauderdale
The University of Liverpool
Campus
Advance your career and increase your earning potential with a masters or a doctoral degree from the University of Liverpool. Study online in small groups of business professionals.
Programs:- Master of Public Health
- Master of Public Health (Epidemiology)
- Master of Public Health (Management of Health Systems)
- Online
University of Phoenix
Campus
As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.
Programs:- BS in Business/Public Sector
- B.S. in Business/Public Sector
- Master of Public Admin
- San Bernardino
- Phoenix
- Las Vegas
- Milwaukee
- Renton
- Online
- St Louis Park
- Tulsa
- Ontario
- Chattanooga
- Bossier City
- San Antonio
- West Chester
- Visalia
- Chicago
- Livonia
- Austin
- Chula Vista
- Portage
- Tucson
- Baton Rouge
- El Centro
- Minneapolis
- Maitland
- Tampa
- Clarksville
- Henderson
- Yuma
- Ann Arbor
- Rancho Cordova
- Virginia Beach
- Hollywood
- Temple Terrace
- Southfield
- Los Angeles
- Mesa
- Dallas
- Macon
- Houston
- Salida
- Washington
- Reston
- Braintree
- Clinton Township
- Kansas City
- St. Louis
- Livermore
- Clearwater
- Plantation
- Kapolei
- Santa Teresa
- San Diego
- Flowood
- Orlando
- San Jose
- Manassas
- Fairfax
- Roseville
- Rogers
- Albuquerque
- Chandler
- Fort Collins
- Pleasant Grove
- Pittsburgh
- Salt Lake City
- Aurora
- Jacksonville
- Brookfield
- Gardena
- Burlington
- Westminster
- McDonough
- Nogales
- Grand Rapids
- Colorado Springs
- Diamond Bar
- Meridian
- Troy
- Reno
- Woodland Hills
- Culver City
- Lone Tree
- Schaumburg
- Plainfield
- Appleton
- Mokena
- Elk Grove
- Augusta
- Arlington
- Mililani
- Oakland
- Fort Lauderdale
- San Francisco
- Snellville
- Clearfield
- Murfreesboro
- Lancaster
- Columbus
- Bellevue
- Westborough
- Killeen
- Santa Fe
- Louisville
- Richmond
- El Paso
- Saint George
- Sacramento
- Sandy Springs
- Beale AFB
- Lathrop
- Irving
- Cordova
- Saint Louis
- Pasadena
- West Des Moines
- Flint
- Murrieta
- Nashville
- Bakersfield
- Hurst
- Fresno
- Sugar Land
- Atlanta
- Indianapolis
- Palm Beach Gardens
- Savannah
- Duluth
- Oklahoma City
- Marietta
- Costa Mesa
- Warrenville
- East Lansing
- Sarasota
- Miami
- Fairfield
- Saint Paul
- Daytona Beach
- Springfield
- Madison
- Spring
- Metairie
- Harrisburg
- Independence
- Birmingham
- Westlake
- Columbia
Keiser University Campus
Campus
Keiser University offers accredited degree programs in today's high-demand careers: Healthcare, Technology, Paralegal, Business, Nursing and Legal Studies.
Programs:- Public Safety Administration, BS (Online Only)
- Port Saint Lucie
- Orlando
- Hollywood
- Sarasota
- Tampa
- Lakeland
- Fort Myers
Ultimate Medical Academy Online
Online
Boost your career with an education from Ultimate Medical Academy Online. We offer career-focused training in dental assisting, nursing assisting, medical billing and coding, basic x-ray, and more. Programs take as little as seven weeks.
Programs:- Healthcare Management Associate
Argosy University
Campus
At Argosy University we prepare individuals for careers that make a difference, whether in business, education, or psychology. Learn how you can make a difference in your life, and the lives of others.
Programs:- Community Counseling (MA)
- State and Local Government (MPA)
- Public Administration (MPA)
- Atlanta
- Chicago
- Dallas
- Schaumburg
- Arlington
- Sarasota
- Orange
- Denver
- Santa Monica
- Tampa
- San Diego
- Alameda
- Honolulu
- Saint Paul
- San Bernardino
- Seattle
- Draper
- Nashville
- Phoenix
Western International University Interactive Online
Online
Get an education that fits your life at Western International University. Study online, on campus, or both, and prepare for a career in business, behavioral science, or IT.
Programs:- Master of Public Administration
- Bachelor of Arts In Behavioral Science
Strayer University
Campus
Get the right foundation for your future with a degree from Strayer University. Evening, weekend and online classes are all available to meet the needs of busy adults.
Programs:- Masters: Public Administration
- Columbus
- Sandy
- Lexington
- Florence
- Atlanta
- Willingboro
- Memphis
- Warrendale
- Alexandria
- Orlando
- Newport News
- Hollywood
- Virginia Beach
- North Charleston
- Maitland
- Fredericksburg
- Irving
- Greensboro
- Center Valley
- Cincinnati
- Charlotte
- Miami
- Little Rock
- Woodbridge
- Akron
- Pompano beach
- Philadelphia
- Roswell
- King Of Prussia
- Dallas
- Greenville
- Suitland
- Midlothian
- Tampa
- Indianapolis
- Chesapeake
- Raleigh
- Fairborn
- Nashville
- Douglasville
- Morrow
- Houston
- Birmingham
- Piscataway
- Plano
- Augusta
- Lawrence Township
- Metairie
- Palm Beach Gardens
- Manassas
- Mason
- Arlington
- Feasterville Trevose
- Concord
- Millersville
- Rosedale
- Rockville
- Scott Depot
- Cedar Hill
- Lithonia
- Morrisville
- Glen Allen
- Newark
- Austin
- Huntersville
- Milwaukee
- Pittsburgh
- Springfield
- Savannah
- Knoxville
- Owings Mills
- Cleveland
- Fort Lauderdale
- Washington
- Columbia
- Huntsville
- Louisville
- Jacksonville
- Ashburn
CTS Canadian Career College
Campus
Give your career a boost with training from CTS Canadian Career College. CTS Canadian Career College is an institution that prides itself on success, in our graduates and ultimately in ourselves. We have grown to 3 campuses but still offer personal instruction and administration.
Programs:- Community Services Worker
- Personal Support Worker
- Sudbury
- North Bay
- Barrie
Westwood College
Campus
Westwood College is an institution of higher learning dedicated to providing quality, career-focused undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to launch, enhance, or change careers. The College offers broad access to education and serves a diverse, multicultural body of students in an environment that promotes pride, respect, and teamwork. The College's programs are designed to empower students to pursue their individual career goals.
Programs:- Bachelor Degree - Business Administration: Major in Healthcare Management I
- Upland
- Anaheim
Northcentral University
Campus
Earn your degree online and boost your career at Northcentral University. We offer online doctoral, master's, and bachelor's degree programs in education, behavioral and health sciences, and business.
Programs:- Public Administration - PhD in Bus. Admin.
- Public Administration - D.B.A.
- Health Care Administration - PhD in Bus. Admin.
- Prescott Valley
Independence University
Campus
You can advance your career 24/7 with online education at Independence University, your proven partner with over 30 years of experience in delivering quality distance education right to our students. Our programs are designed to allow you to continue working and earning as you pursue your online degree.
From associate's and bachelor's to master's degrees in health education and business, with Independence University you can achieve greater success through distance learning programs that suit your busy schedule, with experienced, student-oriented staff to assist you throughout your distance education.
- MS - Healthcare Administration
- Salt Lake City
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