Biostatistician

Biostatistics is a subdiscipline of statistics. Biostatisticians are extremely important in defining the seriousness of a health problem and proving that treatments are effective. They collaborate with researchers to design studies that may be used to predict the pattern of a specific disease, evaluate a new treatment, assess the safety and effectiveness of medications, and increase knowledge of environmental issues. Biostatisticians participate in research design, data collection, choosing and implementing appropriate methodologies, and in the statistical interpretation of the results.

Work Environment
Biostatisticians work for state and local health departments, other governmental health-related agencies, the private sector, and education and research institutions.

Job Outlook
The need for biostatisticians will increase as new diseases are identified and researched.

Length of Training/
Requirements
Biostatisticians who work in public health generally must have a master's or doctoral degree. It is possible for biostatisticians to have only a bachelor's degree, but they must have gained the necessary health knowledge and experience to work in public health. Course work includes 18 hours or more in the areas of statistics, epidemiology, demography, and geographic information systems, in addition to core public health courses.

Salary
Salary depends on education, geography, job setting, and experience. Current salaries range from $38,000 - $75,000.

Professional Associations
American Public Health Association
1015 15th St. NW
Washington, DC 20005
202/789-5600
Fax: 202/789-5661