Today’s data-driven fields see fewer errors and more reliable outcomes, and biostatistics is no exception. This rapidly growing field focuses on data collected about living things. The implications for human health are huge, including new, more effective treatments.  

Professionals in the field are called biostatisticians. They lead every stage of research studies and clinical trials from planning to publishing results. Let’s look at the work of biostatisticians and how countless patients and providers are benefiting from their efforts.  

What Do Biostatisticians Do? 

How’d you like to contribute to the success of a new cancer-fighting drug? Or a lifesaving surgical technique?   

Biostatisticians collaborate with other experts to plan and conduct research studies. This is like detective work—interviewing and observing people with a specific health concern. 

When it’s time for a clinical trial, the serious hands-on work begins. Patients may take part in testing a new medication or surgical method in a specialized laboratory.  

Biostatisticians design and oversee clinical trials, then assess the data drawn from them using statistical software. They’re responsible for trial accuracy. Once the data’s been gathered and analyzed, biostatisticians create a report and share it with the scientific world—usually first through a peer-reviewed journal.   

Biostatisticians may also: 

• Write research and grant proposals 
• Teach in their areas of expertise 

Where Do Biostatisticians Work? 

Biostatisticians work mostly in lab settings. But what kind of companies and organizations do biostatisticians work for? A variety! They may find rewarding roles in:  

• Pharmaceutical companies 
• Hospitals and healthcare research facilities  
• Universities 
• Government agencies 
• Public health organizations 

What Do Biostatisticians Earn? 

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data on biostatisticians and related professions is encouraging! People in these jobs are making median pay of $104,350 per year.  

What’s the Growth Potential for Biostatisticians? 

The U.S. will be adding many more biostatisticians through the next decade: The BLS expects 11% growth in related jobs through 2033. For perspective, that’s much faster than the average growth rate for all jobs. Count on serious career potential for qualified people. 

How Do You Become a Biostatistician? 

An opportunity to positively impact the health of countless grateful people. The possibility of a six-figure income. Plentiful jobs. Sounds great, right? But how do you enter this fulfilling profession? Here’s a checklist to start from: 

• Complete a bachelor’s degree in statistics, biostatistics, or math. 
• Earn at least a master’s degree in medical physiology or a related discipline. 
• Get on-the-job training through internships and/or entry-level positions. 

You’ll be happy to know that certification and licensure aren’t needed to become a biostatistician! 

Frequently Asked Questions 

• What are biostatisticians?
  These professionals help plan and conduct research studies and clinical trials, monitoring their progress along the way, assessing the results with specialized software and publishing their findings to the scientific community through peer-reviewed journals. They may write research proposals and grants in connection with this work. 

• Where do biostatisticians work?
  Typically, they collaborate with other experts in lab settings in a variety of private and public sector organizations. They may work in education, healthcare, pharmaceutical companies or government. 

• What’s the job outlook for biostatisticians?
  The BLS reports median annual earnings of $104,350 for biostatisticians and related roles. There should be plenty of job openings in the coming years, with faster-than-average growth (11%) projected through 2033.  

• What qualifications do you need to become a biostatistician?
  A background in statistics, biostatistics or math, typically through a bachelor’s degree, is essential. Candidates also need to earn a master’s-level degree or higher in medical physiology or a related discipline. They’ll benefit from on-the-job training, as it’s a hands-on, collaborative role. Biostatisticians do not have to earn certification or licensure. 

Prepare for a Career as a Biostatistician With an Online Master’s Degree 

Join a profession where jobs are plentiful and contribute to better health outcomes for all. Ready to get started? The University of Florida gives you options! One of these online programs can put you on the path to the career you want: 

• Master’s Degree in Medical Physiology and Pharmacology  
• Master’s Degree in Medical Anatomy and Physiology  

Don’t see the program you’re looking for, or not really looking for a degree? Browse all programs here. 

Sources:
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/careers/what-does-a-biostatistician-do
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/mathematicians-and-statisticians.htm#tab-2
https://distance.physiology.med.ufl.edu/student-resources/career-options/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8MXFW1hU4M&ab_channel=GCP-Mindset-AllAboutClinicalResearch
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/clinical-trial-results