Epidemiology has become the latest “must-have” career with the recent pandemic. Medical aspirants with a soft spot for mystery and problem-solving find a career in Epidemiology the perfect fit.
The highly respected career revolves around investigating various bacterias, viruses, and other microorganisms causing epidemics and widespread flu in the country.
Epidemiology is rapidly gaining popularity among the youth of today who dream of contributing to society. Read further to know more about how to pursue a career in Epidemiology with Mindler.
What is Epidemiology?
A career in Epidemiology deals with the study of diseases, their spread, and control.
Being an epidemiologist is not like being a medical worker, however, you’re a very important part of the healthcare industry.
An epidemiologist studies disease affecting the entire population and not just a single person. They analyze the causes behind the outbreak and research for preventive measures, trends, and cures.
Epidemiologists are required to conduct surveys and interviews to collect data for observations, before communicating their conclusions to healthcare professionals.
They also interact with a range of people to analyze their lifestyles as a community to investigate the root causes of diseases and infections.
A Career in Epidemiology
For an aspiring Epidemiologist in India, it is important to complete the basic criteria for education, before entering into the academic program for the field.
If you’re yet to choose streams and are wondering should you take PCMB or PCB to pursue a career in Epidemiology, both streams are adequate to pursue the subject for higher education.
Also Read: Planning to Choose PCMB After Class 10? Consider these 6 Things First
The eligibility criteria to pursue a career in Epidemiology is that Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in Epidemiology (BSc. Epidemiology) or a Bachelor’s in Public Health, or any other degree in similar subjects, from a recognized university.
A Master’s degree or a Ph.D. in Epidemiology or other related subjects opens more opportunities for students who want to go into research.
Additionally, graduates in MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery), BDS (Bachelor of Dental Sciences), AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) can also have a prosperous career in Epidemiology.
Besides lots of patience and determination, graduates are also needed to have skills like Critical Thinking, Mental Ability, and sharp Quantitative Reasoning, and strong problem-solving to attain utmost proficiency.
Epidemiology is divided into two subcategories, for further specialization–
1. Applied Public Health
- Applied Epidemiologists work for the government on a state and centre level, to address public health. They often conduct mass surveys and spread awareness among various communities.
- They also work as public health advocates for non-profit organizations.
2. Research
- A Research Epidemiologist works for institutions, universities, or is affiliated with federal agencies like the National Institute of Health (NIH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- They also conduct research for health insurance companies and the pharmaceutical industry.
Top 5 Colleges for Epidemiology
If you’re aspiring for a career in epidemiology, below are the top 5 colleges for Epidemiology in India. They are known best for their excellent faculty, research opportunities, and providing the industry with highly qualified health professionals.
1. All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi
- The best institute for Epidemiology in India, AIIMS offers courses related to Public Health and Epidemiology on a postgraduate level.
2. National Institute for Mental health and Neuro Sciences, Karnataka
- The department of epidemiology was established in 1987, recognizing the significance of epidemiological studies in the field of neuroscience and mental health.
- The department was felicitated by WHO in 2002, as one of the three centres in South East Asia for Collaborating Centre for Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion.
- It was promoted as the Center for Public Health by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in 2012.
3. Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry
- JIPMER’s International School for Public Health is renowned for its academic program, department activities, research facilities and insightful projects, faculty, and guest lecturers.
4. University of Delhi, Delhi
- The newly launched Delhi School of Public Health (DSPH) of Delhi University provides different fields of interest within Epidemiology and other related courses.
- The school aims to develop enhanced health strategies, improve technology and focus on health impacts for the entire population.
5. Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
- Established in 1963, BHU’s department of community medicine offers an intensive curriculum for Epidemiology, providing ample opportunities for research with world-class faculty.
What’s the scope of a degree in Epidemiology?
Becoming an epidemiologist is not the only path you must tread on after studying the subject. There are several new-age career options in biology, where your degree will come in useful. So if you feel a career in epidemiology is the be-all and end-all for you, think again!
Also Read: New Age Career Options In Biology
We have for you some alternate career choices after studying Epidemiology:
1. Community Health Worker:
- A community health worker connects with the population to collect and study different diseases, spread awareness, and educate the people about the importance of healthcare, hygiene and push them to improve their lifestyles.
- Approximate Monthly Income: INR 31,000
2. Statistician and Surveyor:
- The key role of the profession is to create surveys, collect data and analyze data to deeply understand the causes of a medical casualty in a community.
- Approximate Monthly Income: INR 30,000
3. Academician:
- A career in epidemiology is incomplete without adding the option of a university professor to the list. The field gives you the freedom to work with organizations as well as teach students and is unbelievably well-paying. Additionally, publishing research papers will increase your understanding of epidemiology, thus making you a valuable resource in the health industry.
- Approximate Monthly Salary: INR 1,50,000
4. Pharmacoepidemiologist
- Pharmacoepidemiology is the study of the uses and effects of medicine in a wide cross-section of the population. It is a combination of Pharmacology and Epidemiology.
- Approximate Monthly Salary: INR 15,000- INR 30,000
5. Health Economics Researcher
- The market for Health Economics Researcher has been excellent to date. The job involves conducting economic analyses around health care, studying different perspectives of the economy of the health industry from the patient and community to the healthcare provider.
- Approximate Monthly Salary: INR 1,20,000
Conclusion
The path of Epidemiology has gained popularity in the last few decades and is a well-respected, well-paying, and awed field. A graduate epidemiologist with less experience earns a minimum salary of INR 6,00,000 per annum.
Seeking a career in Epidemiology is a great choice for a student from the STEM domain. Want to know more about Epidemiology and how it can affect your child’s career? Mindler is here for you!
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We aim to guide aspiring children towards the best career paths with an in-depth assessment, research, and analysis.
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