AHEC

What does an epidemiologist do?

Epidemiologists investigate the patterns of disease and other health-related problems. They research diseases’ causes and frequencies, as well as the common characteristics of people most likely to fall victim. They use this information to devise or refine solutions to control or prevent diseases.

What might an epidemiologist do in a workday?

Epidemiologists:

conduct research among large populations to determine disease trends.
develop and test theories regarding the causes and spread of disease.
investigate and identify risk factors for disease.
determine strategies to combat the spread of, occurrence of, or mortality from disease.
compare the effectiveness of various methods for combating diseases.
conduct public health surveillance to monitor the distribution of diseases.

Among the many subspecialties within epidemiology are:

cancer epidemiology
environmental/occupational epidemiology
neuroepidemiology
psychiatric or psychoneuroepidemiology
cardiovascular epidemiology
genetic epidemiology
communicable disease epidemiology
veterinary epidemiology
social epidemiology
behavioral epidemiology
pharmacoepidemiology

How much does an epidemiologist earn?

$40,000 - $100,000

How do I become an epidemiologist?

Those interested in becoming an epidemiologist should have a strong interest and background in math, science and English.

Future epidemiologists need to attend a university school of public health and earn either a Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) or Master of Science (M.S.) degree or Ph.D. in Epidemiology. Some epidemiologists also choose to earn a medical degree. Once a degree is earned, continuing education, and certification programs are offered by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC).

Where else can I learn about becoming an epidemiologist?

American Public Health Association
800 I Street N.W. / Washington, DC 20001
tel: (202) 777-2742 (APHA) / web: www.apha.org

Society for Epidemiologic Research
P.O. Box 990 / Clearfield, UT 84089
tel: (801) 525-0231 / web: www.epiresearch.org

Virginia Public Health Association
2415 Westwood Avenue / Richmond, VA 23230
tel: (804) 767-7230 / web: www.vapha.org

Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists
2872 Woodcock Boulevard, Suite 303 / Atlanta, GA 30341
tel: (770) 458-3811 / web: www.cste.org

Educational Institutions in Virginia for Epidemiologists:

What does an environmental health specialist do?

Environmental health specialists educate and consult clients and enforce regulations governing the sanitation of food, milk, and water; hazardous and Infectious waste; sewage; institutional environments; and health hazards. They help improve water and sanitation facilities at recreational areas, nursing homes, schools, restaurants, and other locations, and are actively involved in the overall environmental quality of a community.

What might an environmental health specialist do in a workday?

Environmental health specialists:

collect and analyze environmental samples to screen for possible public health hazards.
prepare and calibrate equipment used to collect and analyze samples.
oversee the treatment and disposal of sewage and hazardous or infectious waste.
design and monitor construction of wastewater disposal systems and well installations.
determine pollution problems and initiate stop-action orders.
develop and manage programs to prevent toxic waste contamination, control insects and rodents, dispose of waste, and ensure clean water supplies.
consult and advise physicians and other medical personnel about community health hazards.
help draft laws and regulations and testify in court.
evaluate the handling, processing, and serving of food and milk to identify hazards and ensure compliance.
educate communities on environmental health issues.
conduct and analyze epidemiological data regarding disease outbreaks.
utilize computers to effectively manage data.
communicate well with the public.

Specialties include milk and dairy production, food protection, sewage disposal, pesticide management, air pollution, institutional sanitation, environmental and occupational health, as well as health safety and sanitation in pools, lodging establishments, and migrant labor camps.

How much does an environmental health specialist earn?

$30,000 - $61,000

How do I become an environmental health specialist?

Students interested in becoming environmental health specialists should prepare by taking the most challenging high school courses available in science, math and English, including advanced placement courses.

Most environmental health specialists earn bachelor’s degrees in environmental health. In some instances, related education such as biology, geology or environmental engineering is acceptable. Master’s and doctoral degrees can be earned and certification is available.

Where else can I learn about becoming an environmental health specialist?

American Public Health Association
800 I Street N.W. / Washington, D.C. 20001
tel: (202) 777-2742 (APHA) / web: www.apha.org

Virginia Public Health Association
2415 Westwood Avenue / Richmond, VA 23230
tel: (804) 367-4860 / web: www.vapha.org

National Environmental Health Association
720 S. Colorado Boulevard, Suite 1000-N / Denver, CO 80246
tel: (303) 756-9090 / web: www.neha.org

Educational Institutions in Virginia for Environmental Health Specialists:

What does a licensed practical nurse do?

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) provide routine nursing care for patients. They work under the direction of registered nurses or physicians.

What might a licensed practical nurse do in a workday?

take and record patients’ vital signs, such as blood pressure and temperature.
perform some diagnostic tests and treatments.
assist patients with daily activities, such as feeding, bathing, and exercising, which may involve lifting and turning patients.
observe patients and report any reactions to treatments or medications.
care for patients ranging from newborns to adults, to labor and delivery, and to postmortem.

How much does a licensed practical nurse earn?

$25,000 - $40,000

How do I become a licensed practical nurse?

Students intending to pursue a career as a licensed practical nurse should prepare by taking high school courses in science, math and English. To become a licensed practical nurse, students must complete an approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN, a national licensure exam.

Where else can I learn about becoming a licensed practical nurse?

National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses Inc.
111 W. Main Street, Suite 100 / Garner, NC 27529
tel: (919) 779-0046 / web: www.nflpn.org

National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service
1940 Duke Street, Suite 200 / Alexandria, VA 22314
tel: (703) 933-1003 / www.napnes.org

State Licensure Requirements for Licensed Professional Nurses:

A license is required to practice as a licensed practical nurse in the state of Virginia. For more information on licensure, applications and forms, visit www.dhp.virginia.gov/nursing.

Virginia Board of Nursing
Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300 / Henrico, VA 23233
Phone: (804) 367-4515 / Email: nursebd@dhp.virginia.gov

Educational Institutions in Virginia for Licensed Practical Nurses:

What does a biostatitician do?

Biostatisticians are experts in analyzing medical, scientific, and public health data. Many are members of new drug development teams, comparing data on the side effects, success rate, or other aspects of one drug (or drug combination) with that of another. Other biostatisticians are involved in environmental, medical, or public health research.

What might a biostatitician do in a workday?

Depending on the work setting, biostatisticians may:

design and implement studies to measure a treatment’s effectiveness.
review public health information to identify patterns of disease, health-related environmental issues, or health care cost trends.
analyze research data for significance.
develop conclusions and recommendations based on statistical information.

How much does a biostatitician earn?

$37,000 - $150,000

How do I become a biostatitician?

Students interested in becoming a biostatistician should have a strong interest and background in math and science, as well as English. While entry-level biostatistics jobs are available to those who have completed a bachelor’s degree, more advanced positions require a master’s or doctoral degree.

Where else can I learn about becoming a biostatitician?

American Public Health Association
800 I Street N.W. / Washington, DC 20001
tel: (202) 777-2742 (APHA) / web: www.apha.org

American Association for the Advancement of Science
1200 New York Avenue N.W. / Washington, DC 20005
tel: (202) 326-6400 / web: www.aaas.org

American Statistical Association
732 N. Washington Street / Alexandria, VA 22314-1943
tel: (703) 684-1221 or (888) 231-3473 / web: www.amstat.org

Educational Institutions in Virginia for Biostatistician:

What does a nurse midwife do?

Nurse midwives are advanced practice registered nurses who have additional education in the discipline of midwifery. They provide women’s health care that focuses particularly on common primary care issues, such as family planning and gynecological needs of women during pregnancy and childbirth, the postpartum period, and the care of the newborn. Certified nurse midwives practice within a health care system that provides consultation, collaborative management, or referral as indicated by the health status of the client.

What might a nurse midwife do in a workday?

provide primary care to women, including reproductive health services such as pelvic and breast exams and Pap smears.
manage the care of women during pregnancy and labor and attend to women during childbirth.
examine newborns and provide information on infant care and nutrition.
educate women regarding contraception, conception, personal care, nutrition, exercise, childbirth methods, and other reproductive health issues.
consult and collaborate with and refer to physicians as the woman’s and/or fetus’ condition warrants.

Developing a Career as a Nurse Midwife:

Nurse midwives work in settings ranging from hospitals to birthing centers to private homes. They work in private office practices, health maintenance organizations, hospitals, public health departments, community health centers, and Indian Health Service.

How much does a nurse midwife earn?

$60,000 - $95,000

How do I become a nurse midwife?

Students interested in becoming certified nurse midwives should begin by taking the most challenging high school courses available in science, math and English, including advanced placement courses.

Certified nurse midwives must be registered nurses and complete accredited educational programs to earn a certificate or master’s degree. Finally, they must pass a national certifying exam given by the American Midwifery Certification Board Inc.

Where else can I learn about becoming a nurse midwife?

Virginia Nurses Association
7113 Three Chopt Road / Richmond, VA 23226
tel: (804) 282-1808 / web: www.virginianurses.com

American College of Nurse-Midwives
8403 Colesville Road, Suite 1550 / Silver Spring, MD 20910
tel: (240) 485-1800 / web: www.midwife.org

American Nurses Association
8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 400 / Silver Spring, MD 20910-3492
tel: (301) 628-5000 or (800) 274-4ANA (4262) / web: www.ana.org

Midwives Alliance of North America
611 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, #1700 / Washington DC 20003-4303
tel: (888) 923-MANA (6262) / web: www.mana.org

State License Requirements for Nurse Midwife:

A license is required to practice as a nurse practitioner in the state of Virginia. For more information on licensure, applications and forms, visit www.dhp.virginia.gov/nursing.