​​​​​​​​The growing emphasis on evidence-based public health, and the collection of vast amounts of increasingly complex health data, have resulted in an increasing need for high-level biostatistical skills within public health systems.

The NSW Biostatistics Training Program is a three-year workplace-based training program involving supervised work placements within the NSW health system and part-time study towards a Master of Biostatistics degree.

The training program was established in 2000 as part of a broader workforce strategy aimed at building the biostatistical capacity and capability of the NSW health system. It is highly regarded and has made an important contribution to increasing understanding about the role of biostatisticians and their value to the health system.
 
The training program is delivered by the NSW Ministry of Health in partnership with the University of Sydney and the Biostatistics Collaboration of Australia (BCA).
 

Employment outcomes

The training program provides a career path for biostatisticians working in public health by bridging the gap between academic studies and development as a professional biostatistician.
 
Graduates apply their biostatistical expertise to many different spheres of public health practice, including public health services, research, development, policy and planning. 

More than 90% of program graduates find work in biostatistical or statistical roles, and more than half are employed by NSW Health immediately after completing the program. About 25% find roles in NSW universities and about 20% find roles in research organisations.​
 
Upon successful completion of the training program, graduates are eligible for:
  • award of a Master of Biostatistics, conferred by the University of Sydney
  • a Certificate of Completion, conferred by the NSW Ministry of Health
  • ​accreditation as a graduate statistician with the Statistical Society of Australia Incorporated.
Current as at: Thursday 29 August 2024
Contact page owner: Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence