Individuals who want to put their arithmetical ability to work saving people’s lives should read on to find out how to become a biostatistician. In 2017, biostatisticians had the 48th best job in America according to CNN Money. Biostatisticians are public health workers who pore over empirical research data and do data analysis to address issues affecting human well-being. For example, biostatisticians might provide a data analysis to determine the sources of public health issues such as contagious diseases like COVID-19, Zika or tuberculosis. Others embark on healthcare careers and work on clinical trials to test and determine if new medications improve patient symptoms. Biostatisticians may be involved in data collection and are the math minds behind clinical trials and all clinical research, and draw accurate conclusions from spreadsheets of numbers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, an estimated 8 percent of the 34,200 statisticians nationwide are employed in health care. Joining these biostatisticians requires completing a three-step training process though which students fulfill the biostatistician requirements. The following article outlines how to become a biostatistician and help improve medicine through collecting data, independent research and other means.
Complete a Quantitative Bachelor’s Program
Biostatistician education requirements begin with high school. High school graduates asking how to become biostatistician must begin their biostatistics career by attending a four-year college or university. Bachelor’s program admission usually requires good grades, high SAT/ACT scores, and strong work ethic. Taking the AP Statistics or Math course could enhance an application. Once admitted, select a STEM bachelor’s degree major focused on quantitative skills. Most public and private schools offers a bachelor’s degree in mathematics or statistics. Some institutions, such as Simmons University, Saint Louis University, and the University of Houston-Downtown, even offer a bachelor’s degree in Biostatistics. Make certain the 120-credit bachelor’s degree curriculum for a biostatistician degree packs in courses like Calculus, Data Management, Applied Statistics, and Linear Algebra. Check out bachelor’s degree and master’s degree programs on the American Statistical Association (AMA) website.
Gain Real-World Experience in the Biostatistics Field
Completing a master’s degree or bachelor’s degree program while studying biostatistics in textbooks isn’t sufficient without hands-on practice. While working on the undergraduate degree in college, take advantage of lab project, fieldwork, writing research proposals and thesis research opportunities available. Each year, ambitious students can enter the AMA’s Undergraduate Statistics Class Project Competition. Most universities offer three or more credits for industry internships. Great organizations hiring biostatistics interns include the National Cancer Institute, St. Jude’s Hospital, Mayo Clinic, Merck, and Kaiser Permanente. Students can form lasting network connections by joining associations like the International Biometric Society. After graduation, spending at least two years in health care or statistics jobs working with other data analysts is valuable. Shape an impressive resume and ace the GRE Quantitative section to enter a top graduate school.
Earn an Accredited Advanced Biostatistics Degree
Stepping into a biostatistician’s shoes requires earning at least a master’s degree. The master’s degree in Public Health (MPH) is a professional, two-year path that covers all facets of community wellness, including biostatistics and statistical methods. Master’s degree programs are more lab-based with integrative research instead of clinical practicum. Both degrees can be found at Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) accredited schools, such as the University of Michigan, Purdue University, Drexel University, and the University of Florida. Some MPH and M.S. in Biostatistics degrees are even delivered online for easy access while working. The need for a doctoral degree will vary depending on the student’s interests. Though not required, doctoral biostatistics programs would aid advancement into scholarly jobs at academic research centers. The Ph.D. generally requires 48+ credits after completing a master’s program, with assistantships and dissertation papers.
What is the job outlook and salary for Biostatisticians?
Demand for biostatisticians is growing as new public health threats emerge. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment of biostatisticians will jump 31 percent from 2021-2031, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Biostatisticians play an important role in driving forward research for clinical breakthroughs and cures. Choosing to become a biostatistician is ideal for numbers-oriented people who strive to better society and defeat disease from a scientific perspective.
According to BLS.gov, the median annual wage for mathematicians was $108,100 in May 2021, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $61,760, and the highest 10 percent earnings over $169,500.The median annual wage for statisticians was $95,570 in May 2021 with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $49,350, and the highest 10 percent earning over $157,300. Many in this field work for the federal government, research and development, colleges and universities, insurance and healthcare.
Where do they work?
According to labor statistics, statisticians held about 34,200 jobs in 2021, with 15% of workers working for government agencies. A Biostatistician may also work in analyzing data in research and development and environmental science, with close to 14% working in this area. They’re also working in the scientific community in clinical settings in colleges and universities, healthcare, public health and insurance.
What are the professional organizations that serve people who are Biostatisticians?
Professional organizations serve their profession through promotion of the profession, continuing education and networking opportunities. A biostatistician in public health would include as include APHA in their professional organizations that they would join.
American Statistical Association (ASA)
International Biometric Society (IBS)
American Public Health Association (APHA)
Important Qualities of a Biostatistician
Analytical skills: Biostatisticians us their important analytical skills and statistical techniques to model and evaluate large amounts of biological data and other kinds of data.
Communication skills: Biostatisticians must be able to explain technical concepts and solutions in nontechnical ways. These healthcare professionals draw conclusions and then must communicate to a wide array of people that may include those in a closely related field, the general population, and others that may not have an advanced degree.
Logical-thinking skills: Biostatisticians must understand and be able to use computer science programming languages to design and develop models and to analyze data for research studies.
Math skills: Biostatistician gather data, use statistical theory, calculus, and algebra to develop their models and analyses.
Problem-solving skills: Biostatisticians must devise solutions to problems encountered in science, engineering, and other related fields.
Other helpful skills include: attention to detail, excellent written skills, and ability to work well with other research associates.
MPH staff, 2023
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