Medical Entomologist Career Profile
- Career Name - Medical Entomologist
- Category - Health Specialists
- Skills Required - Life skills 40% - Career skills 60%
- Basic Subjects - Biology, Science, Language
- Minimum Education - Doctorate Degree
- Species Worked With - Insects
- Kind of Interaction with Animals - Direct
Do you want to work as a medical entomologist?
READ: This page helps you to read about the career and the info you need to decide on whether this is indeed the career you want to follow.
RESEARCH: Learn about the skills required and minimum subjects to enter this career, as well as the places where you can study further after school.
PREPARE: If you want to plan and prepare for your career, then join the OZT Community! Members have access to tools while chatting with other students and experts from around the world. Prepare to be amazed!
CAREER MENTOR
UPDATED:
14 August 2024
Page Adverts:
What is a Medical Entomologist?
A Medical Entomologist is a scientist who studies insects and other arthropods that impact human health. These professionals focus on understanding the biology, behavior, ecology, and control of insects like mosquitoes, ticks, flies, and fleas that can transmit diseases to humans.
Medical entomologists work in different fields. If you are interested in those working for the military, please have a look at this career page:
Alternative Names
This career can have alternative names, depending on things like language, or even just the names given it within different countries:
- Public Health Entomologist
Career Categories
The animal related careers are organized into categories. Here are the categories in which Medical Entomologist can be found:
- Animal Health
- Specialists
History?
Hundreds of entomologists enlisted in the US military during WW2 to help protect the troops
Deadly insects?
Mosquitos are possibly enemy number 1 for medical entomologists
What does a Medical Entomologist do?
Groups of animals an Animal Caretaker works with
What is the level of Interaction with the Animals?
- Directly - A person works directly with the animals with some form of physical contact at least once every few days
- Indirectly - The career doesn't require direct or physical contact at all.
What does a Medical Entomologist focus on?
Medical Entomologists study and treat illnesses caused by insects and arthropods and their vectors. In providing crucial protection to the public, these specialists work to reduce the adverse impact these insects may have on human beings.
Daily tasks of a Medical Entomologist
- Collect and inspect insects found at different locations
- Research the possible diseases insects may carry
- Providing technical advice in safeguarding the public
- Design an appropriate surveillance strategy against Zoonotic diseases
- Administration and filing
The work Environment of a Medical Entomologist
Work environment and places where a medical entomologist can be employed:
Environment –
Medical entomologists work equal amounts indoors and outdoors. Much of the field work will entail collecting insects and samples, and researching insect diseases and preventative repellents. Scientific analysis of these insects takes place within a laboratory.
Places of Employment –
They are mainly employed by government, private law firms, forensic laboratories.
Average annual salary for a medical entomologist
They can earn an average of US$65,000 per year. The salary will also differ from country to country.
Can a medical entomologist be promoted?
They do have the opportunity to be promoted within the unit or department, or join a different organization at a higher position.
What difficulties do medical entomologists face?
The most dangerous aspect of this career is working with insects that might be carrying deadly pathogens.
They may also work long hours, in difficult conditions, and might need to travel frequently.
Future growth and possibilities in this Career
The future growth of the sector is growing at around 5% per year.
Which Skills does a Medical Entomologist need?
The skills required for a career as a military entomologist can be divided into two very important groups. The first is the group containing life skills, which are the core skills that are necessary or desirable for full participation in everyday life. The second group is career skills, or the specific skills required to allow a person to enter and operate effectively within a specific career. Some or maybe even all of the life skills can assist in strengthening the career skills, and they might even be the same for specific careers.
Life Skills
- Self-awareness
- Empathy
- Critical thinking
- Creative thinking
- Decision making
- Problem Solving
- Effective communication
- Interpersonal relationship
Career Skills
- Excellent customer service skills
- Good health and physical fitness
- Excellent computer literacy
Which Subjects must I have at School to help me prepare for this Career?
Biology will be a good subject at School as a foundation for future studies in Entomology
Science is a foundational subject and required by many colleges and universities for standard admission
Language as a subject is key for you to understand more about communication.
The subjects you choose at school are important as they lay the foundation for further studies at college or university. While still at school, it’s also important to learn more about the animals you will work with, as well as gain some experience.
OZT has a list of various tertiary institutions where you can study further, after school. Each of these institutions also have their own Group page on OZT where you will find the exact subjects they require of you to have passed in school. Keep these requirements in mind, and discuss it with your school, guidance counselor and parents to ensure that you are prepared!
What will I need to Study to become a Medical Entomologist?
Minimum educational requirement
The minimum international requirement is a Doctorate Degree.
Subject focus
Majors –
The following majors can be taken biosecurity, parasitology, entomology.
Short Courses –
Many colleges have excellent short courses in entomology.
Subject duration
The duration of a Doctorate Degree includes the 3 to 4 years for a Bachelor’s Degrees, plus an additional 3 plus years for masters and Doctorate. Short Courses are usually between a few weeks and a year.
FREE Career Preparation Path
If this is your dream career that you want to pursue, then it’s important to plan the way forward.
Why is planning important?
To ensure that you understand the requirements for your career, and that you are always prepared for the next step on the road towards your dream. A preparation path is like a road map to where you want to be.
Possible Paths:
1. Attend Career Guidance Sessions
Attend career guidance sessions focused on biological sciences, public health, and environmental studies. Engage with counsellors who can provide insights into the field of entomology. Gain an understanding of what a career in medical entomology entails and the various opportunities available.
2. Research All Possible Careers
Research different careers within entomology, particularly focussing on medical entomology. Look into roles such as vector control specialist, epidemiologist, and public health entomologist. Understand the different career paths within medical entomology and the impact each role has on public health.
3. Explore Educational Paths
Investigate the educational requirements for becoming a medical entomologist. Look into undergraduate and graduate programmes in entomology, biology, public health, and related fields. Identify the best educational institutions and programmes that offer relevant courses in medical entomology.
4. Align High School Subjects with the Educational Path
Choose high school subjects that align with the field, such as Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Mathematics. Consider taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses if available. Build a strong foundation in the sciences to prepare for higher education in medical entomology.
5. Obtain a High School Diploma or Equivalent
Focus on excelling academically to ensure a strong high school record. Participate in science fairs, clubs, and other academic activities that highlight your interest in entomology. Graduate with a solid academic background that will support college applications.
6. Learn About Animals (Insects) You Will Work With
Study the biology, behaviour, and ecology of insects, particularly those that affect human health. This could include independent research, reading scientific articles, or observing insects in their natural habitats. Develop a deep understanding of the insects you’ll work with in your future career.
7. Align Post-School Path
Decide whether to pursue higher education, enter the workforce, or start a business after high school. In most cases, pursuing further education is crucial for a career in medical entomology. Make informed decisions about your post-high school journey, aiming for a path that leads to a career in medical entomology.
8. Gain Experience Through Volunteering, Internship, Mentorship
Seek out volunteer opportunities, internships, or mentorship programmes in related fields. Consider working with local health departments, environmental organisations, or universities. Gain hands-on experience and practical knowledge that will be valuable in both education and future employment.
9. Pursue Extracurricular Activities
Engage in extracurricular activities such as science clubs, environmental groups, or student government. Consider starting a club focused on entomology or environmental health. Develop leadership, teamwork, and organisational skills while demonstrating your passion for entomology.
10. Join Professional Associations
Consider joining organisations like the Entomological Society of America (ESA) or student chapters related to biology and public health. Network with professionals, stay informed about industry trends, and access resources for students interested in entomology.
11. Gain Specialised Skills
Learn specific skills such as data analysis, field research techniques, and insect identification. This can be done through online courses, workshops, or summer programmes. Build a skill set that will make you competitive in the field of medical entomology.
12. Network with Professionals
Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars related to entomology and public health. Connect with professionals in the field through social media platforms like LinkedIn. Establish connections that can provide guidance, opportunities, and mentorship.
13. Enter the Job Market/Finish Tertiary Studies/Launch a Business
After completing your education, enter the job market by applying for roles in research institutions, public health organisations, or government agencies. Alternatively, consider further specialisation through a Ph.D. programme or starting your own consulting business. Transition into a professional role where you can apply your knowledge and skills in medical entomology.
14. Stay Updated and Pursue Continuing Education
Continue learning through advanced courses, certifications, and staying informed about the latest research and developments in medical entomology. Maintain expertise in your field, adapting to new challenges and opportunities as they arise.
Possible Combined Career Paths
It is possible to sometimes combine two or more related careers. This normally happens when you study and practice a specific main career, but the knowledge and experience gained also help you to have a paying hobby or secondary income career.
Possible Alternatives (there are a lot more):
Training and apprenticeship
Even though it is important to study to get into some of the animal careers, most of the research and other laboratory skills you will need as a medical entomologist will be acquired through practice. This means that you will learn how to perform some of the daily tasks by actually doing it a few times and learning the steps.
In some cases entry level positions require training sessions even before you are allowed to actually perform your job duties. These sessions are offered by the place of employment, after you have successfully applied.
Join the Medical Entomologists Group in the OZT Community to learn more and even interact with the educational institutions that will help you secure your dream career!
Average level of education of those entering the career:
Licenses, Certificate, Registration and Professional Associations
Certain animal careers require some form of legal certification to prove that you can indeed do the work, and work with the necessary equipment.
Certifications might be required in certain countries, and it may help workers establish their credentials and enhance their skills.
Learn more about requirements by joining the OZT Community.
Professional Associations
Where can I study further to become a Medical Entomologist?
All of the above information will help you understand more about the Career, including the fact that there are different paths to take to reach it. But if you are almost done with High School (Grades 11 or 12), you also need to start thinking about further studies, and WHERE you will study.
See the List of Universities, Colleges and Online Training Academies who offer courses towards forensics and entomology.
How do I start to prepare for this Career?
If you do decide on following this career, then OZT can assist you in figuring out a path to prepare, as well as help you to gain further knowledge about the career and the animals you will be working with. We do this by offering you FREE career development tools. There are almost a dozen free tools, but these are the three primary ones:
CAREER PATH PLAN
Use the career path plan above on this profile as an example to follow, or to work out your own path.
COST; Free
ACCESS: Open to visitors and Members
SHORT COURSES
Access easy-to-use short courses to make your career preparation easier! The basic information in each course is free, but the rewards can only be unlocked as an OZT member!
COST; Free
ACCESS: Open to visitors and Members
STUDY GUIDE
Get a supercharged study guide that fits into the career path plan! Now that's really upping your preparation game! Join us for free to gain access!
COST; Free
ACCESS: Members Only
But, if you are still uncertain about choosing this specific career, and even where to start, then have a look at our special series of WHAT NEXT courses (link below). They take you through all of the questions you might have on how to choose the right career, what to do while at and after school, and even how to start your own business.
OR
Join the OZT community & Career Group
Join us as a special member and learn more about becoming a medical entomologist.
Members of the Platform have special access to:
- Info on the best places where you can study (colleges, universities and online)
- Expertly designed advice to prepare you for the career, and links to places where you can gain valuable experience. For some career experience is necessary, otherwise you wont get the job!
- Top notch info on each of the different species you will work with
- Make friends around the world and share knowledge
- Compete and win points, badges, games, prizes and certificates. Be the best of the best, while you learn and prepare!
If you have decided on being a Medical Entomologist, please click on the JOIN GROUP button. Members will be directed to the Group, while non-members will be assisted to register first.
If this career is NOT the career for you, then you may return to the MAIN CAREER menu, and search for something different.
Other interesting Careers
Do you want to Contribute?
Do you have information that you would like to contribute to this career?
Career Profiles and Resources
Career Mentors are Members who assist by volunteering to keep each Career Page factual and current, while mentoring Students in the related Career Group.
Contributions by expert members are always appreciated to allow the Students to make informed decisions. Please add your contribution through the attached Form:
List of Career Mentors/Educators who have contributed to this Career info:
One Zoo Tree
A few pictures about the Career:
Some of the best websites to help you decide on the Career:
