Entry Level Qualification 

Graduate

Career Fields 

Medical Services

For Specially Abled 

Career Entrance Exam 

CUET PG, NEET PG, NEET SS, AIIMS MSC, AIIMS BSC

About Career 

Epidemiologists research and study all the factors that influence and determine the presence of diseases or disorders in a particular area calculated over a period of time. Epidemiologists examine and identify various methods to study how a specific area is affected by a particular disease, what are the factors influencing the spreading of the disease, how these could be controlled and what health measures could be taken to control them in the future.

What is Epidemiology and why do you need to study it?

Epidemiology is all about studying and analyzing the distribution, patterns and causes of health and disease conditions. These studies are conducted to identify the relationship between their sources and outcomes. The main objective of this study is to provide solutions and applicable measures to prevent and control the occurrence of diseases in aspecific area. The study is usually focused to search the root causes and factors that influence the spread of communicable and non-communicable diseases, patterns behind substance abuse, and other health-related components.

What will you do as an Epidemiologist?

As an Epidemiologist you would collect and analyze data to examine the health issues prevalent in a particular area of population; what are the common/re-occurring diseases; how many people are prone to diseases; what measures are taken to control the disease and so on.

For instance, As an Epidemiologist, you might be involved in collecting and analyzing demographic data to understand the people who are at the highest risk for a particular disease like cancer. You would study patterns and population trends to identify how effective treatments and measures can be taken to control the diseases.

As an Epidemiologist, you would be involved in studying and analyzing on the exposure of diseases, their potential for spreading in the entire community or a particular area, and how these could be controlled. You would help with the collection and statistical analysis of data and assist in developing methodology for further research in public health studies as well as in clinical research.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

As an Epidemiologist, you would be involved in the following key roles and responsibilities:

1. You would oversee public health programs, including statistical analysis, health care planning and public health improvement.

2. You would be involved in investigating diseases or disorders to determine cause and risk factors, progress, life cycle, or mode of transmission.

3. You would plan, administer and evaluate health safety standards and programs to improve public health, conferring with the health department, industry personnel, physicians and others.

4. You would be involved in providing expertise in the design, management and evaluation of study protocols and health status questionnaires, sample selection and analysis.

5. You would conduct research to develop methodologies, instrumentation, and procedures for medical application, analyzing data and presenting findings.

6. You would consult with and advise physicians, educators, researchers, government health officials and others regarding medical applications of sciences, such as physics, biology, and chemistry.

7. You would be involved in collecting and analyzing data through observations, interviews, and surveys, and by using samples of blood or other bodily fluids—to find the causes of diseases or other health problems.

8. You would also be involved in managing public health programs by planning programs, monitoring their progress, analysing data, and seeking ways to improve the programs in order to improve public health outcomes.

Career Entry Pathway 

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies – Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry, and Biology along with any other subject as per scheme of studies – Bachelor’s degree in Zoology/ Physiology/ Microbiology/ Biochemistry/ Life Science/ Biology/ Public Health/ Pharmacology/ Pharmaceutical Sciences or similar field – Master’s degree in Zoology/ Physiology/ Microbiology/ Biochemistry/ Life Science/ Biology/ Public Health/ Pharmacology/ Pharmaceutical Sciences/ Epidemiology or similar discipline - PhD Epidemiology or similar discipline

After completing Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry, and Biology along with any other subject as per scheme of studies you can go for Bachelor’s degree in Zoology/ Physiology/ Microbiology/ Biochemistry/ Life Science/ Biology/ Public Health/ Pharmacology/ Pharmaceutical Sciences or similar field. After graduation you would need to pursue Master’s degree in Zoology/ Physiology/ Microbiology/ Biochemistry/ Life Science/ Biology/ Public Health/ Pharmacology/ Pharmaceutical Sciences/ Epidemiology or similar discipline followed by a PhD Epidemiology or similar discipline.

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies – Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry, and Biology along with any other subject as per scheme of studies – MBBS – MD in Epidemiology/Public Health/ Preventive and Social Medicine or similar Discipline – PhD in Epidemiology/Public Health or similar field

After completing Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry, and Biology along with any other subject as per scheme of studies, you can pursue Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree. Then go for MD in Epidemiology/Public Health/ Preventive and Social Medicine or similar Discipline followed by PhD in Epidemiology/Public Health or similar field

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies – Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (optional) and Biology along with any other subject as per scheme of studies – Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy/ Pharmaceutical Science/ Pharmaceutical Technology or similar field – Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Science/ Pharmaceutical Technology/ Epidemiology or similar field – PhD in Epidemiology or similar discipline

After completing Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (optional) and Biology along with any other subject as per scheme of studies you must go for Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy/ Pharmaceutical Science/ Pharmaceutical Technology or similar field. After graduation you can then go for Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Science/ Pharmaceutical Technology/ Epidemiology or similar field followed by PhD in Epidemiology or similar discipline

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies – Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry, and Biology along with any other subject as per scheme of studies – MBBS/Bachelor of Science (BS) in Public Health – Master of Public Health (Social Epidemiology) – PhD in Public Health

After completing Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry, and Biology along with any other subject as per scheme of studies, you must go for MBBS/Bachelor of Science (BS) in Public Health. After completing graduation you need to go for a Master of Science (MS) Public Health followed by PhD in Public Health.

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies – Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry, and Biology along with any other subject as per scheme of studies – MBBS – DNB – FNB

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After completing Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry, and Biology along with any other subject as per scheme of studies you need to finish your graduation with a MBBS Degree. After MBBS you need to qualify the entrance examination conducted by National Board of Examinations (NBE) for DNB Field Epidemiology followed by a Post-Doctoral fellowship program to be a Fellow of National Board (FNB) in the field of Epidemiology or Public Health or similar field.

Required Qualification & Competencies 

After completing graduation and post-graduation in your areas of specialization, you would need to pursue a Post-Doctoral study or research in the area you want to specialize in. You can find the following subjects/specialization in which you can take up your masters or Ph.D.:

1. Epidemiology

2. Clinical Epidemiology

3. Public Health

Compentencies Required

Interest

1. Investigative: You should have interests for Investigative Occupations. Investigative occupations involve working with ideas and quite a lot of thinking, often abstract or conceptual thinking. These involve learning about facts and figures; involve the use of data analysis, assessment of situations, decision making and problem-solving.

2. Realistic: You should have interests for Realistic Occupations. Realistic occupations involve more practical and hands-on activities than paperwork or office work. Realistic occupations often involve physical activities for getting things done using various tools and equipment. 

3. Social: You should have interests in Social Occupations. Social occupations involve helping or assisting others; these involve working with and communicating with people to provide various services; these may involve educating and advising others.

Knowledge

Healthcare Science and Services: Knowledge of different fields that are related to offering various types of healthcare services to people; assisting physicians and surgeons to carry out diagnosis, treatment and prevention of human diseases, ailment and disorders.

Skills

1. Active Learning: Focused and continuous learning from various sources of information, observation and otherwise for application in getting work done.

2. Critical Thinking: Skills in analysis of complex situations, using of logic and reasoning to understand the situations and take appropriate actions or make interpretations and inferences.

3. Judgment and Decision Making: Skills in considering the pros and cons of various decision alternatives; considering costs and benefits; taking appropriate and suitable decisions.

4. Problem Solving: Skills in analysis and understanding of problems, evaluating various options to solve the problems and using the best option to solve the problems.

5. Reading Comprehension: Skills in understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

6. Scientific: Skills in using various scientific rules and methods to get things done or solve problems.

Abilities

1. Abstract Reasoning: The ability to understand ideas that are not expressed in words or numbers; the ability to understand concepts that are not clearly expressed verbally or otherwise.

2. Deductive Reasoning: The ability to apply general rules and common logic to specific problems to produce answers that are logical and make sense. For example, understanding the reasons behind an event or a situation using general rules and common logic

3. Inter-Personal: The ability to build and maintain good relationships with others at workplaces and elsewhere.

4. Manual Dexterity:  The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

5. Mental Stamina: The ability to sustain prolonged mental effort.

6. Naturalistic Intelligence: The ability to recognize different flora and fauna of the world; sensitivity towards nature and natural surroundings; sensitivity towards the needs of different flora and fauna.

7. Problem Sensitivity: The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

8. Selective Attention: The ability to concentrate on a task over a long period of time without being distracted.

9. Verbal Reasoning: The ability to think and reason with words; the ability to reason out ideas expressed in words.

10. Written Comprehension: The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

11. Written Expression: The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand

Personality

1. You are always or mostly a soft-hearted person.

2. You are always or mostly helpful to others

3. You are always or mostly caring, supportive, sympathetic and kind to others.

4. You are somewhat organized in your day-to-day life and activities.

5. You prefer to experience new things and have new experiences sometimes.

6. You act independently sometimes but do not do so in some other times.

Career - Job Opportunities & Profiles 

As an Epidemiologist, you may find work in:

1. Medical research organisations and colleges  such as: National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE),Postgraduate Institute Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research, Vector Control Research Centre (VCRC)

2. Research institutions and Universities such as Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Indian Institute of Toxicological Research (IITR), National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD), Regional Medical Research Centre, N.E. Region (RMRC), Vector Control Research Centre (VCRC), Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, etc.

3. Universities/ institutions under Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) such as: National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE), National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (NICPR), National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), National Institute of Virology (NIV), National AIDS Research Institute (NARI), National Institute of Occupational Health, National Institute of Medical Statistics (NIMS),National Center for Disease Informatics and Research (NCDIR), National Institute of Immunohaemotology (NIIH)

As an Epidemiologist, you may find job opportunities as follows:

1. After Master’s degree, (i) as a Research Associate/ Research Assistant; or (ii) as a Doctoral Fellow; or (iii) as a Project Officer (Minimum two years of experience)

2. After a Ph.D. as a Post-Doctoral Fellow

3. After Ph.D. as a Principal Investigator

4. After Ph.D., as a Scientist

5. In university departments and colleges, as an Assistant Professor after Ph.D. or Post-Doctoral.

Specialisation Tracks In This Career

Epidemiologist (Chronic Disease)

Chronic Disease Epidemiologists are involved in the study and research of infectious diseases of chronic nature. They focus their study on diseases like cancer, HIV, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, or pulmonary disease etc. Epidemiologists identify their root causes, its effect on public health and try to provide solutions to these problems.

Epidemiologist (Environment)

Environmental Epidemiologists are involved in the study and research of how environmental exposures impact and influence the public health. They study how the impact of external factors (such as air pollution, industrial waste, environment pollutants etc.) may risk the health against a specific disease, illness or abnormalities.

Epidemiologist (Forensic)

Forensic Epidemiologists are involved in the research and study of how public health is exposed to certain diseases and disorders and how they are interrelated and interconnected. They study the observations and conclusions to assist in legal-decision making as well.

Epidemiologist (Global Health)

Global Health Epidemiologists are involved in the study and research of the causes and consequences of morbidity and mortality of regional and national boundaries. They focus their research on the population of poor and underdeveloped countries and assist the clinical researchers and other public health practitioners in forming methodologies to improve the public health.

Epidemiologist (Molecular & Genetic)

Molecular & Genetic Epidemiologists are involved in the study and research of cancer, aging, reproduction, early development, diabetes, obesity and many other diseases. They focus on a wide range of genetic and molecular diseases or other genetically inherited diseases to find solutions and improve public health.

Career Growth

1. After the Master’s degree, if you have started as a Research Associate/ Research Assistant then you can become a Senior Research Associate. You need to have a Ph.D. to progress further as an Entomologist in your area of research.

2. If you have started as Doctoral Fellow, you will first be Junior Research Fellow (JRF) or a Senior Research Fellow (SRF).

3. After a Ph.D. if you start as a Post-Doctoral Fellow, your growth would be limited as you would not grow designation wise. Your tenure would be 1-3 or more years.

4. After Ph.D., if you begin as a Scientist, then you will progress as Scientist – Lead Scientist or Senior Scientist (in different grades) – Principal Scientist – Director/ Dean, etc.

5. In university departments and colleges, if you begin as an Assistant Professor after Ph.D., then you will grow through the ranks such as Assistant Professor – Associate Professor – Professor – Dean/Director.

Salary Offered  

1. If you begin your career after a Master’s degree as a Research Associate, you will earn about Rs.25, 000 – 30,000 per month

2. If you begin your career after a Master’s degree as a Doctoral Fellow, you will earn about Rs.35, 000 – 40,000 per month

3. If you begin your career after a Ph.D. as a Post-Doctoral Fellow, you will earn around Rs.45, 000 – 50,000

4. If you begin your career after a Ph.D. as a Scientist, you will earn around Rs. 70,000 – 85,000 per month. 

5. If you begin your career in teaching and research, as an Assistant Professor with an experience of 0-3 years, you will earn around Rs.55, 000 – 75,000.

6. As an associate professor with around 12-18 years of more experience, you will earn around Rs.1, 20,000 – 1, 50,000 per month.

7. As a Senior Scientist with around 12-18 years of experience, you will earn about Rs. 1, 35,000- 1, 85,000 or even more per month.

8. As a Professor with around 15-25 years of more experience, you will earn around Rs. 1, 55,000 – 2, 25,000 per month.

9. As a Dean/Department head with more than 25+ years of experience, you will earn around Rs.2, 15,000 – 2, 50,000 per month.

10. As a Director / Chief Scientist/ similar positions in research, with more than 25+ years of experience, you will earn about Rs. 2, 30,000 - 3, 00,000 or even more per month.

Monthly Earnings In Indian Rupee

1. Entry level: 0 - 2 years of work experience 

2. Junior Level: From 1 to 12 years of work experience 

3. Mid-Level: From 5 to 20+ years of work experience 

4. Senior Level: From 10 to 25+ years of work experience (there could be exceptions in some high-end technical, financial, engineering, creative, management, sports, and other careers; also in the near future, people will reach these levels much faster in many careers and in some careers, these levels will have no meaning as those careers will be completely tech skill driven such as even now, there is almost no level in a Cyber Security Expert’s job)

Famous Personalities 

Information not available.

Work Activities 

1. Analyzing and interpreting data and information: Analysis of data and information to find facts, trends, reasons behind situations, etc.; interpretation of data to aid in decision making.

2. Communicating with co-workers and others: Communicating with people in writing, verbally or otherwise inside your workplace and various other people who have professional relationships with your place of work including vendors, government officials, etc. or with people at large

3. Decision making and problem-solving: Analysis of data and information; evaluation of alternative decisions and results of decisions; taking the right decisions and solving problems.

4. Getting Information and learning: Observing, hearing, reading, using computers, or otherwise obtaining information and learning from it.

5. Identifying objects, actions, and events: Identifying various characteristics of objects; observing and understanding actions and events; understanding changes in actions and events.

6. Providing advices and consultation to others: Giving advices or consultation to others about various issues, conceptual matters, know-hows, scientific matters, products or services.

7. Training and teaching: Understanding educational and training needs of others, developing training programs and educational programs, conducting training programs, teaching and instructing others.

8. Updating and using relevant knowledge: Keeping updated with the latest knowledge relevant to your fields of work and use of the relevant knowledge in getting things done.

9. Using computers for work: Using computers for day-to-day office work; using computer software for various applications in day-to-day professional work; entering data and process information; for writing.

10. Working in a team: Working in a team of people; developing team; maintaining professional relationships among team members.