Just the term itself, “clinical analyst in public health” resounds with a sound of great complexity and importance. What exactly is this job in public health information all about? Here’s your quick guide to the vocation of today’s clinical analyst in public health, or CAPH.
An Analytical Vocation
As the name of this career choice denotes, there is quite a bit of analysis involved. Public health also happens to be the primary subject matter. Put these two bits together and you have today’s clinical analyst in public health, the expert at data analysis for the purpose of public health understanding and betterment.
The daily duties of the typical CAPH are all about gleaning information and meaning of the healthcare world. To begin with, the CAPH will meet with and work with clients in order to become familiar with their healthcare-related goals and current circumstances. They will then move on to determining sources of data and subsequently mining those sources. From this point, the CAPH will use this data to determine the answers to client questions or help implement changes and improvements.
What percentage of diabetes patients see a doctor regularly? How many children are immunized to government standard? How do primary physician office hours affect overall health in a given region? Why are minorities in a given area not receiving fair access to medical technology? These are examples of just some of the questions that a CAPH may be tasked with answering.
Where Employed and How
Today, you can find various forms and applications of the CAPH in a multitude of work environments. Employed most often by private companies and government agencies, these professionals can be found working in private office spaces, hospitals, doctors’ offices, and other healthcare-related facilities. Becoming a CAPH involves at least a bachelor’s, and sometimes a master’s degree. The degree type required is often flexible and based on the individual hiring entity’s needs and preferences. Degrees in computer science, economics, statistics, epidemiology, and public health have all seen applicants through the door here.
Related Resource: What Statistician Jobs are Available in Public Health?
For those with inclinations in being analytical, wanting to dig deep for answers, and caring about healthcare and the health of others, this just may be the perfect kind of vocation for you. If you quickly tire of analytical thinking tasks, you are probably not suited for resounding success here however. These are the basics of the career of today’s clinical analyst in public health.