Epidemiology is a discipline that has gained so much attention with the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic. A deeper understanding of this field is essential to the fight against any disease.

Epidemiology is a speciality in which studies are conducted to determine how diseases occur to various groups of people and why they occur. All the information concerned with diseases is used for planning and developing strategies that are used for the prevention of illnesses.

Governments and public health organizations utilize this information for planning their strategy against the spread of existing disease or the outbreak of future epidemics.  

Roles and Responsibilities:

A few of the major roles and responsibilities of an Epidemiologist are mentioned below:

  • Determining the cause and effects of infections, diseases and disease-causing parasites
  • Ascertaining the modes of transmission of infections, diseases and disease-carrying parasites
  • Planning and undertaking studies, researching, and investigating human/ animal diseases and considering the preventative methods that are adaptable. 
  • Communicating and brainstorming ideas with Policymakers, Physicians, and Healthcare Professionals regarding the preventative and curative measures that have to be taken.

Epidemiologist Qualifications and Eligibility:

For pursuing a career as an Epidemiologist in India, you should undergo basic training and qualifications before pursuing a career in this field. 

Mentioned below are the Epidemiologist qualifications and eligibility criteria for pursuing this career:

  • Candidates should complete B.Sc in Epidemiology or B.Sc or Bachelor of Public Health (BPH) degree from a recognised institution or university.
  • They can also complete additional academic qualifications, including an M.Sc or Master in Public Health/ Epidemiology or a PhD in Epidemiology from any recognized universities or colleges in India.
  • Graduates who have completed undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in Medical (MBBS/ BDS/ AYUSH) or Paramedical (Pharmacy/ Nursing/ Allied Health Science) courses.

Types of Epidemiology Jobs:

When you graduate after completing an Epidemiology course, many job roles will be available for you in the current industry. A few of the most popular job roles relevant to an Epidemiologist in India are mentioned below:

Community Health Workers:

Community Health Workers are an integral part of the field of Epidemiology. They are primarily responsible for connecting with the community for studying, collecting, and researching various illnesses and diseases common to a community. They provide lessons and strategies concerned with the health and safety of the public and execute certain steps for the promotion of better and healthier lifestyles.

Statisticians and Surveyors:

Under the job roles of Statisticians and Surveyors, the primary duty of an Epidemiologist is creating surveys and questionnaires for the collection of appropriate data, which help them to deeply recognize certain issues and root causes of various medical illnesses prevailing in the community. 

Supervisory Epidemiologist: 

Like every field, Epidemiology also will require personnel who can ensure the usage of assets and inventory efficiently and effectively for producing quantified and quality data suitable for making a better life for the people. A Supervisory Epidemiologist is a professional who looks after and supervises the performance of a team of Epidemiologists.

Academics: 

Pursuing academics or research is an underrated area in the field of Epidemiology. While you can choose a career as a teacher or professor sharing your knowledge of the field, a less frequented path is in the field of research. You can work with various organisations and students alike, advancing your understanding of the subject while publishing research papers along with developing the field of Epidemiology.

Skills Required for Epidemiology Jobs:

A certain set of skill sets are considered as prerequisites for a career as an Epidemiologist, which include:

  • Expertise in Critical and Analytical thinking.
  • Attributes to work under immense pressure.
  • Ability to work independently as well as in a team.
  • Proficiency in Mathematics and Statistics for analytical research.
  • Patience and Determination for searching and finding a conclusive result.

Epidemiology Jobs Salary:

Epidemiology jobs salary is based on the experience and skills of the candidate in the field. Mentioned below are a few of the salaries earned by candidates in Epidemiology. 

Job Role 

Average Salary (INR)

Community Health Workers

2,40,000

Statisticians and Surveyors

3,00,000

Supervisory Epidemiologists

4,50,000

Top 7 Epidemiology Colleges in India:

Mentioned below is a list of top Epidemiology colleges in India.

College

Location

JSS Medical College and Hospital

Mysore

Faculty of Life and Allied Health Sciences, M. S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences

Bangalore

Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI)

Dehradun

KLE’s Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College

Belagavi

Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences 

Satara

National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS)

Bangalore

Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research

Puducherry

Conclusion:

A world without diseases is impossible, giving Epidemiologists irreplaceable importance in our lives. They create the bedrock for strong public health policies and strategies, thereby improving and protecting the health of entire populations.

If your primary concern is a safer, healthier future for mankind, then Epidemiology jobs will help you manifold in becoming a part of the plan in solving one of humanity’s most enduring problems.