A biomedical scientist performs research that aims to improve health and health outcomes. Biomedical scientists may work with human subjects or with biological samples collected from living or deceased donors. Knowing the necessary steps in order to become a biomedical scientist allows a person to decide if this is their desired career path.
Education requirements to become a biomedical scientist
A person who conducts basic experiments in biomedical sciences under the direction of others may be able to work as a biomedical scientist with a bachelor’s or master’s degree and several years of laboratory experience. In order to design and conduct experiments independently, a doctoral degree is essential. Some biomedical scientists hold a medical degree, and others hold a doctorate of philosophy or doctorate of science degree. Some in biomedical science hold other degrees, such as a doctor of dental surgery, doctor of dental medicine, a doctor of ophthalmology, or other healthcare science or biomedical science related degree. Laboratory scientists who work in research may also need to take continuing education units in subjects related to the biomedical sciences. This is required for anyone who works in biomedical science and research and who desires to maintain their license to practice medicine or license to practice nursing. If you want to work in the field of biomedical science and become a biomedical scientist, check out some of the professional organizations for more information, and talk to someone in a position that you aspire to.
Certifications for biomedical scientists doing laboratory research
Some biomedical scientists may need to maintain certain certifications. They need to be familiar with the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) regulations of the Department of Health and Human Services, explains the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. The CLIA regulations ensure that laboratories are in compliance with certain operational standards. Researchers in biomedical science may also want optional certifications such as health informatics, health analytics, comparative effectiveness and outcomes research or epidemiology. A medical doctor who works in the biomedical sciences may wish to earn board certifications, such as gene therapy.
Advanced training requirement
Working as a biomedical scientist in a research laboratory requires a person to work full time to stay up-to-date on the latest laboratory techniques. This might require training from equipment manufacturers or reagent suppliers. It may also involve traveling in order to attend advanced training sessions on specific techniques, such as the use of robotics in gene therapy. Most biomedical scientists will spend an average of two years and up to seven years of learning the techniques that they will use in their daily work in a research laboratory, explains the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
On-the-job experience
A person with a medical or doctor degree related to healthcare science typically has on-the-job experience for several years in a residency. This is often followed by a fellowship for the research portion of what they do in the laboratory. The training process usually includes a requirement to publish original, peer-reviewed research in a scientific journal. While working in the laboratory or with patients, a people wanting to work as biomedical scientists will also need to develop or hone certain skills. Those skills include excellent written and oral communication, analytical abilities, critical-thinking skills, decision-making and the ability to observe tiny changes that could have a big impact on results.
Becoming a biomedical laboratory scientist takes many years of education and training. However, anyone who is passionate about improving health outcomes and advancing medical knowledge should not be put off by the steps that this career requires. A career as a biomedical laboratory scientist can be personally rewarding and could allow a person to leave a positive professional legacy for others.
Traits of good biomedical scientists
There are a number of common traits that a successful biomedical scientist should have, including:
- Analytical mindset: Biomedical Scientists work to collect data and make sense of that data by having an analytical mindset. These scientists solve problems by analyzing information and making important decisions to solve experimental and real world problems.
- Detail Oriented: These scientists know that small changes can affect results or taint outcomes. Their attention to important details helps them prove theories and can lead to answers to other problems.
- Resilient: Scientists may work a very long time on a study that may not produce useful information. These scientists must be able to take disappointment, learn from it and continue to work and improve.
- Open minded and free of bias: Biomedical scientists observe and collect data while searching for answers and need to be open minded and free of bias. These scientists are open minded to what other scientists have to say about their work and their ideas.
- Observational Expertise: When a biomedical scientist is designing and conducting an experiment, observation of small changes in samples and results is a must for success.
- Communication: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, communicating experiment results in both oral and written form is a must.
- Making Decisions: Expensive equipment and resources make it important to decide the best options to complete important experiments.
A person who can hone and develop these characteristics will have a greater chance of a successful career as a biomedical scientist.
What are some biomedical laboratory science specialties?
The field of biomedical laboratory science is a wide field. There are a number of specialties within this field that require specialized education and experience to pursue. Biomedical laboratory scientists could specialize in microbiology, hematology, or virology. Immunology and histology are also specialities. Still others include bacteriology, mycology, parasitology, and toxicology. The field also includes the areas of genetics, electron microscopy and cytopathology. All of these areas of specialization have some overlap, so it is important for these scientist to have broad understanding and cross-training to have the knowledge and skills important for working in a laboratory.
Job outlook and pay for a biomedical laboratory scientist
A biomedical scientist may work in government, academia, or the private sector. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for these professionals is 17%, or much higher than average for all occupations, in the years 2021 to 2031. The median salary for doctorate or professional degree holders was $95,310 per year in May 2021. In May 2021, the median annual wage for all workers in all occupations was $45,760.
About 10,000 openings for medical scientists are anticipated each year on average over the next decade. Many openings will be due to replacing workers who change occupations or retire from the work force.
What are some professional organizations that serve this profession?
Professional organizations work to serve the biomedical science profession and members through providing professional guidance, continuing education, research journals, networking events, and more.
The National Organization of Research Development Professionals works with all areas of research. Its mission is to advance the global capacity for and impact of research by strengthening the practice and profession of research development.
ASCLS is the organization for medical laboratory scientists and has national and state chapters.
The American Society for Clinical Investigation (ASCI)
ASCI is a medical honor society with more than 3,000 physician-scientists from all medical specialties. They are dedicated to the advancement of research that improves understanding of diseases and improves treatment. Members of ASCI are committed to mentoring future generations of physician-scientists.
AALAS Foundation
The American Association for Laboratory Animal Science Foundation (AALAS) supports educational research regarding the role of responsible laboratory animal care and animal use in science to advance animal health.
Americans for Medical Progress (AMP)
Americans for Medical Progress is dedicated and focused on building public understanding necessary to humane animal research. They work to ensure those doing research have the resources to deflect campaigns that threaten medical research and progress.
National Association for Biomedical Research (NABR)
NABR is dedicated to policy for the humane use of animals in research, education, and testing. NABR works to provide a voice on legislative, regulatory and legal matters that affect the responsible, humane, and ethical use of laboratory animals.
States United for Biomedical Research (SUBR)
SUBR is the network of nonprofit associations that have joined together to promote health through science and education. They work to build a collaborative network of organizations, institutions, businesses and individuals that promotes understanding and support research and the humane care and use of animals in research.
MPH Staff, Updated December 2022
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