How to become a biomedical scientist

How to become a Biomedical Scientist

Becoming a biomedical scientist typically requires a combination of education, training, and experience. Here are the steps to becoming a biomedical scientist:

• Obtain a Bachelor's Degree: A bachelor's degree in a science-related field such as biology, biochemistry, or microbiology is usually required to become a biomedical scientist. Some programs may offer a specific biomedical sciences degree.
• Gain Research Experience: Biomedical science is a research-intensive field, so gaining experience in a research setting is important. This can be done through undergraduate research programs, internships, or volunteering in a research lab.
• Obtain a Graduate Degree: A master's or doctoral degree is typically required for biomedical scientists who want to conduct independent research or hold advanced positions. A master's degree program can take one to two years to complete, while a doctoral program can take four to seven years.
• Gain Additional Training: After obtaining a graduate degree, biomedical scientists may need to complete additional training or postdoctoral fellowships to gain specialized skills and experience in their area of research.
• Obtain Certifications: Some biomedical scientists may choose to obtain certifications. Certifications demonstrate a high level of knowledge and expertise in a specific area of biomedical science (see below).
• Gain Work Experience: Biomedical scientists can gain work experience through research positions, postdoctoral fellowships, or clinical laboratory positions. This can provide valuable experience and help build a strong professional network.
• Stay Up-To-Date With Advancements: Biomedical science is a constantly evolving field, so it's important for biomedical scientists to stay up-to-date with new research and advancements. This can be done through attending conferences, reading scientific journals, or taking continuing education courses.

Certifications
Certifications can demonstrate a high level of knowledge and expertise in a specific area of biomedical science, which can be valuable for career advancement and professional development. Here are some of the most common certifications for biomedical scientists:

• Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) or Medical Technologist (MT): These certifications are offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and demonstrate expertise in clinical laboratory science. To be eligible for the MLS or MT certification exam, candidates must have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and complete a clinical laboratory science program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).
• Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT): This certification is also offered by the ASCP and demonstrates expertise in clinical laboratory science at a technician level. To be eligible for the MLT certification exam, candidates must have an associate degree in a relevant field and complete a clinical laboratory science program accredited by NAACLS.
• Diplomate of the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ABMGG): This certification is offered by the ABMGG and demonstrates expertise in medical genetics. To be eligible for the ABMGG certification exam, candidates must have a doctoral degree in a relevant field and complete a medical genetics residency program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA): This certification is offered by the Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC) and demonstrates expertise in research administration. To be eligible for the CRA certification exam, candidates must have a bachelor's degree and at least three years of experience in research administration.
• Certified Professional IACUC Administrator (CPIA): This certification is offered by the Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research (PRIM&R) and demonstrates expertise in animal research administration. To be eligible for the CPIA certification exam, candidates must have a bachelor's degree and at least two years of experience in animal research administration.

Helpful Resources
There are many helpful resources available for biomedical scientists to support their research, education, and professional development. Here are some examples:

• PubMed: PubMed is a free database of biomedical literature, maintained by the National Library of Medicine. It contains over 32 million citations to articles from biomedical journals, including research articles, reviews, and clinical guidelines.
• The National Institutes of Health (NIH): The NIH is a federal agency that funds biomedical research and provides resources for researchers, including research funding opportunities, training programs, and scientific databases.
• The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB): The ASBMB is a professional organization for biochemists and molecular biologists, offering resources such as research grants, career development programs, and scientific publications.
• The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP): The ASCP is a professional organization for laboratory professionals, including medical laboratory scientists and technicians. They offer resources such as certification exams, continuing education programs, and professional networking opportunities.
• The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB): FASEB is a coalition of 28 scientific societies, representing more than 130,000 researchers in the life sciences. They offer resources such as research funding opportunities, advocacy for science policy, and career development programs.
• ResearchGate: ResearchGate is a social networking site for researchers, allowing scientists to connect with each other, share research, and ask and answer questions.
• Biocompare: Biocompare is a resource for researchers to compare and review products, including lab equipment, reagents, and software.