CDC/government employment

[kellia]

I have been searching for information about how to gain employment with the CDC or other government agencies following graduation. I can't seem to find too much info, and the salary/experience categories are a little confusing. I am also considering doing a residency and/or earn my MPH following graduation. I was wondering if anyone can expand on employment opportunities within these parameters and/or degree/experience requirements? Would government agencies require a two year residency?

I have always had it in the back of my mind that I would join the Peace Corps after graduation, I just am unsure about what employment opportunities there would be with this organization (or another) and what that would mean for my family.

We had a thread about Pharmacists without borders a few months ago. Who else thinks that should get a sticky!!?!!

I know this is a power packed question and I seem a little scattered! But any info would be appreciated to help me narrow the path!

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[kellia]

bump...

Anyone??????

 

[kwizard]

I have been searching for information about how to gain employment with the CDC or other government agencies following graduation. I can't seem to find too much info, and the salary/experience categories are a little confusing.

Please see any of the following websites. Most federal jobs are also required to list potential salary and qualifications. The qualifications are always very broad, but PharmD w/ residency or auxillary degree (i.e. MPH) is certainly helpful w/ marketing capacity (residency training is often recommended and helps w/ pay grade). You may want to look at any of the following websites:

www.vacareers.va.gov

www.usajobs.gov

http://www2.cdc.gov/hrmo/vsearch.asp

http://www.ihs.gov/

http://www.aphanet.org/AM/Template....s&Template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=2442

(or www.aphanet.org and check out federal pharmacist programs if the link above doesn't work)

http://www.cfpsinfo.org/ (Combined Forces Pharmacy Seminar)

http://www.apha.org/

I am also considering doing a residency and/or earn my MPH following graduation. I was wondering if anyone can expand on employment opportunities within these parameters and/or degree/experience requirements? Would government agencies require a two year residency?

Please see: http://www.hhs.gov/pharmacy/main.html

Two yrs of residency typically isn't required as you are unlikely to be practicing in a specialized area or even practicing as a pharmacist. Most pharmacists outside of the VA/army/navy hospitals/or indian health service function within an administrative role reviewing drugs prior to approval or postmarketing surveillance (i.e. in the FDA) or addressing/reviewing policies for dz outbreaks (i.e. in the CDC). Research is also a possibility if desired. Research you may be able to do w/ a residency if you are into drug monitoring during clinical trials. Anything else more involved will require auxillary degree (i.e. MPH for epidemiology) or fellowship/PhD training for more advanced research (i.e. kinetics, larger scale epidemiology, drug development (in NIH or NCI).

I have always had it in the back of my mind that I would join the Peace Corps after graduation, I just am unsure about what employment opportunities there would be with this organization (or another) and what that would mean for my family.

The career options are quite variable. Some of the salaries may not blow you away initially, but you also need to consider that some of the services also include various tax breaks/housing credits/loan forgiveness (i.e. public health service and IHS). Secondly many of the salaries continue to grow annually vs staying w/i the same general area like many jobs in the private sector.

As always, just try to expose yourself the best you can and try to find what makes you happy and that also pays you well enough to live comfortably within your desired level of stability. Good Luck