FAQ´S

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

We have attempted to answer the most common questions here. But, we realize that we may not have answered your particular question, so please feel to visit the home page so we can help you with a specific question.

WHO ARE PUBLIC HEALTH MICROBIOLOGISTS?

Public health microbiologists (PHMs) are a select group of professional lab specialists whose comprehensive approach to the identification and characterization of microorganisms of public health significance contributes to the control and prevention of disease.

The microbiologists perform a variety of complex laboratory techniques from traditional isolation methods and fluorescent microscopy to flow cytometry and molecular technology.

WHAT DOES A PUBLIC HEALTH MICROBIOLOGIST DO EACH DAY?

The daily life of a public health microbiologist is busy and varied. Drawing upon research methods used in public health and health sciences research, PHMs perform a wide range of tasks. A typical morning might find a laboratory specialist performing genetic assays on parents concerned about being Tay-Sachs carriers, having spent time earlier developing and applying quality assurance criteria for those assays. The PHM might also perform follow-up tests on blood samples.

In the afternoon, the public health microbiologist may move from laboratory to the community to lead a training seminar on sterile techniques for a local high school Biology class, or to the Police Department’s forensics laboratory to discuss standard laboratory practices with technicians. At the end of the day, the microbiologist might attend a seminar at a near-by research institution. Altogether, a public health microbiologist is a busy professional in a varied field that blends hard science, the desire to serve the community, and the commitment to make a difference.

WHAT ARE THE JOB OPPORTUNITIES?

Public health laboratory microbiologists are employed in city, county, or state public health laboratories. Most continue in this ever-rewarding profession, performing the complex analytical procedures of microbiology. Public health microbiologists may advance to supervisory positions or this additional education and training become public health laboratory directors. Depending upon the size of the laboratory, the director may continue performing technical duties in addition to administrative duties.
There are currently many opportunities available for people who want to work in Public Health Laboratories. It is anticipated that in the next several years there will be a huge need to fill laboratory assistant director and director positions as current directors are making plans to retire. In addition, there is currently a shortage of California Certified Public Health Microbiologists.
As technical experts in public health microbiology and as human resources on policy, laws, and regulations relating to public health, Public Health Laboratory Directors in California are consultants to the local Health Officers and other public health professionals as well as to physicians and health care providers in the community.
Public health microbiologists have a wide variety of career options available to them in related areas of public health, academia, research, and regulatory affairs. Certification and experience as a PHM also may apply toward the requirements for the California Clinical Microbiologist Technologist license.

WHAT SALARIES AND BENEFITS CAN BE EXPECTED?

Salaries vary according to geographic location.

Salaries for California public health laboratory directors range from $60,000 to $102,000 annually, depending on the county. Benefits also vary by county.

California public health microbiologist entry-level salaries range from $2,149 to $4,644 per month. Benefits also vary by county.

HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT PUBLIC HEALTH MICROBIOLOGY?

Contact your local public health laboratory, request a tour, inquire about their volunteer programs, or about job opportunities so that you can see public health microbiologists in action. You can also learn about requirements through the State of California Department’s Laboratory Field Services Branch website: http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/ls/lfsb/default.htm or http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/ls/LCSB/default.htm.

WHAT ARE SOME OTHER CONSIDERATIONS?

Public Health Laboratory Directors and Microbiologists have certain characteristics in common. They share a strong sense of community. They are problem solvers who enjoy challenges and responsibility. They have an intense interest in science and a firm commitment to their profession.