How To Become An Epidemiologist In South Africa

An Epidemiologist search for the cause of disease, identify people who are at risk, determine how to control or stop the spread or prevent it from happening again.

What Does an Epidemiologist Do?

Epidemiologists play a critical role in public health, as they try to understand disease causes and patterns in order to prevent future negative outcomes. Epidemiologists are trained to study health-related events in a way that can be compared to journalists covering a news story.

Day in the Life of an Epidemiologist in South Africa

Day-to-day duties will vary based on the industry and job. Typically, it will involve collecting and analyzing data, implementing research studies and communicating findings.

Data analysis is an important part of this job. Epidemiologists spend much of their time in a lab analyzing data in order to make informed decisions about public health tools and strategy. For example, infectious disease epidemiologists may use historical data to try to find similar patterns with a new disease.

The primary purpose is to identify and research five key features of an epidemiological event:

Health event

People affected

Place

Time

Causes, modes of transmission and risk factors

Important Skills for Epidemiologists in South Africa

In order to be successful as an epidemiologist, it helps to have these skills and qualities:

Scientific inquiry and critical thinking.

Understanding of math and statistical data.

Sharp attention to detail.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Proficiency in chemistry, biology and behavioral sciences.

Below are steps to Become An Epidemiologist In South Africa

Step 1. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree

Recommended fields of study at the undergraduate level include biostatistics, health science or nursing. Other students pursue degrees in biology, chemistry or public health.

Some students specialize in public health while earning their bachelor’s degree, but this isn’t required to receive a master’s degree. Keep in mind that most schools do not have undergraduate programs specific to epidemiology.

While a bachelor’s degree can provide a foundation for further education, entry-level epidemiologist positions require at least a master’s degree, according to the South Africa Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Many students go on to obtain a master’s degree and specialize in epidemiology.

Step 2. Gain Work Experience

Work experience allows prospective epidemiologists to utilize their academic skills in a real-world setting. Experience in biology or a related field can assist future epidemiologists in preparing for a career in research and observation. Some students can obtain a position as an epidemiology assistant with only an undergraduate degree.

Step 3. Complete a Master’s Degree or Higher

As previously mentioned, a master’s degree is required for most entry-level epidemiology careers. Typically, graduate students will pursue a Master of Science or Master of Public Health with a concentration in epidemiology. Some students may go on to earn their doctorate degree in epidemiology or earn a dual degree in medicine.

Step 4. Earn Certifications

There are no required exams for becoming an epidemiologist. However, the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology has a certification available for professionals. This certification represents a continued commitment to your career and infection prevention.

Determine your goals and ideal career in public health to determine whether a certification is right for you. There are other public health certifications that may improve your knowledge and application for future positions as an epidemiologist.

What qualifications do I need to be an epidemiologist?

You’ll usually need a postgraduate degree, either a Masters or a PhD, in epidemiology or a related subject, such as public health, statistical science or biological science, to work as an epidemiologist.

How many epidemiologists are there in South Africa?

Overall, SAFETP graduates working in South Africa account for 0.212 epidemiologists per 200,000 population.

How long does it take to study epidemiology in South Africa ?

The timeline depends on your training and background, but with education requirements, it may take seven years or more. A bachelor’s degree typically requires four years, and a master’s degree requires between two and three years.

Do epidemiologists go to medical school?

Education for Epidemiologists

Epidemiologists typically need at least a master’s degree from an accredited college or university. Some epidemiologists have both a degree in epidemiology and a medical degree. These scientists often work in clinical capacities.

Is Epidemiology a good career?

Epidemiology is a very important career. However, there is the general idea that epidemiologists are statisticians who work in a government office crunching numbers to find patterns in health related problems.

Does epidemiology require math?

When Math is Used:

Epidemiologists use mathematical models in order to track the progress of most infectious diseases. They may also discover the likely outcome of an epidemic or to help manage them by vaccination.

Is there a demand for epidemiologists in South Africa ?

Job Outlook

Employment of epidemiologists is projected to grow 30 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 900 openings for epidemiologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Do you need a PhD to be an epidemiologist?

Most epidemiologists have a master’s degree in epidemiology or public health. Those who conduct research for universities or have senior-level jobs often need a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. D.). Some epidemiologists have professional medical backgrounds.

What is a epidemiologist salary?

An early career Epidemiologist with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of AU R1429704.27 based on 13 salaries. A mid-career Epidemiologist with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of AU R1461192.98 based on 6 salaries.