How to Become a Biostatistician

A biostatistician plays an essential role in product research and development in the pharmaceutical industry. It is the role of the biostatistician to compile a statistical analysis of data retrieved from clinical trials to assist investigators in studying patterns of disease among the population and to project the best method of intervention. See if your skills add up to allow you to become a biostatistician yourself.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Experience with database management systems
• Bachelor's degree

1. Start out on the path to become a biostatistician by obtaining your 4-year college degree, preferably in Science or Mathematics.

2. Escalate your chances to become a biostatistician by furthering your education and obtaining a Master's in Biostatistics. Note, however, that some academic positions as a biostatistician may require that you possess a Doctorate.

3. Locate a college or university near you that offers programs where you can get your degree(s) in biostatistics. The American Statistical Association website has a list of approved higher education institutes and programs (see Resources below).

4. Be aware that in order to become a biostatistician, you will need to demonstrate exceptional written and verbal communication skills. A biostatistician serves as a liaison between all departments of the clinical research team to collect, organize and distribute statistical data based on trial findings.

5. Get familiar with database management systems, if you're not already. To become a biostatistician, you will need to be comfortable using database programs that support PL/SQL (Procedural Language/Structured Query Language) and SAS (statistical software). In particular, Oracle Clinical is frequently used in clinical trial environments.

6. Be prepared to use your knowledge of database management as a biostatician to present clinical data analysis to investigators, clinical research associates and clinical trial managers. These team members in turn may convey your findings at conferences and seminars, or submit them for publication.

7. Search additional opportunities to become a biostatistician by using the ASAJobWeb service in the Career Center of the website for the American Statistical Association (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• As a biostatistician, you can look forward to being employed by a pharmaceutical company, a private industry, a university, a research facility or a community or state health department. State and federal government agencies also frequently employ biostatisticians.

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Resources

• Degreed statistical courses and programs from the American Statistical Association website
• Biostastician careers from the American Statistical Association