Olaide WaheedBiomedical science actually combines the fields of biology and medicine so as to focus both on the health of animals and of humans. This is a basic research field that concentrates on the segments of the human body and human health.
Therefore, biomedical scientists conduct scientific and laboratory research so they could support the diagnosis and treatment of human diseases. They are trained in biology, especially in the context of medicine. They research to gain knowledge of the main principles of how the human body works. These professionals also try to seek new ways to cure or treat disease by developing advanced diagnostic tools as well as new therapeutic strategies.
A degree in biomedical sciences should have given you the skills to work at the forefront of medical research. But then, if you are part of those that are wondering what to do with a degree in biomedical science, you don’t have to be confused, because, in this article, we will explore a major career in biomedical science, and you can decide to embrace any of them, according to your own interest and passion.
Let’s get started:
List Of Careers In Biomedical Sciences & Career Path
- Laboratory Technician
- Research Associate
- Medical Technologist
- Pharmacist Technician
- Scientist
- Research Scientist
- Medical Laboratory Technician
- Biomedical Engineering Technician
- Analytical chemist
- Research Assistant
- Laboratory Assistant
- Clinical scientist, biochemistry
- Clinical scientist, genomics
- Clinical scientist, haematology
- Clinical scientist, immunology
- Forensic scientist
- Medicinal chemist
- Microbiologist
- Physician associate
- Research scientist (medical)
- Toxicologist
- Crime scene investigator
- Dental therapist
- Environmental engineer
- Genetic counsellor
- Medical sales representative
- Medical science liaison
- Nanotechnologist
- Neuroscientist
- Science writer
Details Of Some Of The Careers In Biomedical Sciences
- Laboratory Technician
You work in the lab and collect samples such as body fluids, tissue, and other substances.
- Research Associate
Their job is to plan, organize, and conducts research in scientific, cultural, historical, or artistic. If you go into this field, be ready to conduct literature, collect and analyze data, as well as recruit new persons.
- Medical Technologist
They collect samples and perform tests to analyze body fluids, tissue, and other substances.
- Pharmacist Technician
You will assist pharmacists to dispense prescription medication to customers or health professionals.
- Scientist
They conduct research targeted at improving overall human health. If you go into this field, you will be familiar with using clinical trials as well as other investigative methods to reach your findings.
- Research Scientist
Their job is to conduct research targeted at improving overall human health. These professionals will usually use clinical trials as well as other investigative methods to reach their findings.
- Medical Laboratory Technician
They collect samples and perform tests to analyze body fluids, tissue, and other substances.
- Biomedical Engineering Technician
They repair and maintain medical equipment used in hospitals, nursing homes, etc
- Analytical chemist
What they do is to examine chemical compounds to determine their construction.
- Research Assistant
Usually seen in social science settings, what they do is to help carry out a specific research agenda.
- Laboratory Assistant
Your job will majorly be to collect samples like body fluids, tissue, as well as other substances.
Other careers in biomedical science include:
- Clinical scientist, biochemistry
- Clinical scientist, genomics
- Clinical scientist, haematology
- Clinical scientist, immunology
- Forensic scientist
- Medicinal chemist
- Microbiologist
- Physician associate
- Research scientist (medical)
- Toxicologist
- Crime scene investigator
- Dental therapist
- Environmental engineer
- Genetic counsellor
- Medical sales representative
- Medical science liaison
- Nanotechnologist
- Neuroscientist
- Science writer
You should note that lots of firms and organizations accept applications from graduates with any degree. It is thus important to state that you should not restrict yourself to the careers above
Career Path: How To Start A Career In Biomedical Sciences
You should first know what you are getting yourself into, and have an interest in science. You should then proceed to study biomedical science at the university and graduate with a degree before you can start taking precise steps towards building a career in biomedical science.
It is important to note that if you have a good degree in biomedical science, you can even decide to jump into other courses to train for a different career in the science field (if you want to go on further studies).
In many places, it is a competitive employment sector, thus, you need to give yourself an edge by either further studies, or doing all it takes to boost your work experience. Actually, it is usual for your institution to place you in an environment where you can get practical knowledge and insight (in a laboratory).
Some experts also recommend sending out speculative applications for work experience opportunities. You can volunteer somewhere – yes, some won’t mind taking volunteers. But know that getting the working practice of laboratory techniques is beneficial to you as you grow in the career.
It is also recommended that degree holders should search for opportunities with academic departments at universities. You can also look at government-funded or charity laboratories.
Additionally, there are publishing firms that may also employ biomedical sciences graduates as either writers or editors (or even both).
It should be noted also that the pharmaceutical industry brings in graduates in sectors like research and development, quality assurance, and sales.
Biomedical Sciences Career Path
Indeed, you can find huge satisfaction in this career path and learn from many others that have gone before you. One will gain experience in laboratory work while on the degree program, and will actually be equipped with relevant skills needed to plan, conduct as well as evaluate experiments.
You will learn to comply with health and safety regulations and research and interpret scientific literature too, as you pick up important life skills like:
– organization and time management
– analytical and problem-solving skills
– data analysis, evaluation, and interpretation
– computing and the use of statistics
– project management
– oral and written communication
– numeracy
– teamworking – from laboratory work or activities such as sport, societies, or voluntary work.
General Requirement To Study Biomedical Sciences related Courses
There are several schools (tertiary institutions) that are offering this course, as well as relevant programs, and you should find them and settle for what you want. It should however be noted that degree names may fall under a larger field, e.g microbiology.
While learning, you should be prepared to take many science and math things. You will be taught to evaluate the interactions between medicine, diseases as well as human or animal bodies.
For many master’s programs, you have to study for up to two years before graduating. During the first leg, you complete coursework that may include biological chemistry, biostatistics, etc. The second part of the program is majorly about research projects, and you are required to complete a thesis. You don’t even have to study biomedical science at the undergraduate level before you can be admitted into a biomedicine master’s program. A relevant science-based bachelor’s degree can get you in.
You can also seek to further – doctoral program in biomedicine (the major job here will be advanced research, lab training, as well as coursework).
However, it must be noted that at this much-advanced level, a large chunk is a joint Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)/Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) program. You are required to complete a dissertation through your research and clinical rotations as well as clerkships for the medical school portion of the program.
You should however be sure of what you are getting into, as these programs can take a lot of time to complete (as much as seven years). As far as Ph.D./M.D. programs are concerned, you should meet medical school admission requirements.
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