How to become a microbiologist

Is becoming a microbiologist right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do microbiologists do?
Career Satisfaction
Are microbiologists happy with their careers?
Personality
What are microbiologists like?

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How to become a Microbiologist

Becoming a microbiologist typically requires a combination of education and practical experience. Here is a detailed guide on how to become a microbiologist:

  • Obtain a Bachelor's Degree: To become a microbiologist, you will first need to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology, Biology, or a related field. This typically takes four years and involves coursework in microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, and other related subjects.
  • Gain Laboratory Experience: In addition to coursework, gaining laboratory experience is critical for becoming a microbiologist. You can gain this experience by working as a research assistant or lab technician during your undergraduate studies or by participating in internships or research programs.
  • Consider a Graduate Degree: While a bachelor's degree may be sufficient for some entry-level positions in microbiology, many microbiologists hold advanced degrees. A Master's Degree or a Ph.D. in Microbiology can provide more opportunities for advanced research positions or teaching positions.
  • Obtain Certification: While certification is not required for most microbiology positions, it can demonstrate your expertise and competency to potential employers (see below).
  • Gain Work Experience: After completing your education and obtaining any necessary certifications, gaining work experience is critical for advancing in the field of microbiology. This can include working in a laboratory, in the field, or in a clinical setting.
  • Stay Up-To-Date on Advancements: The field of microbiology is constantly evolving, and it is essential to stay up-to-date on the latest research and advancements in the field. This can involve attending conferences, participating in continuing education courses, or subscribing to relevant journals.

Certifications
There are several certifications available for microbiologists. Here are some of the most common ones:

  • American Board of Medical Microbiology (ABMM) certification: This certification is offered by the American Board of Medical Microbiology, which is a branch of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM). The ABMM certification is designed for microbiologists who work in clinical or public health microbiology. To be eligible for this certification, candidates must have a Doctoral Degree in Microbiology or a related field, as well as a certain number of years of experience in medical microbiology.
  • American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification: The ASCP offers several certifications for microbiologists, including the Microbiology Technologist (M) and Specialist in Microbiology (SM) certifications. These certifications are designed for microbiologists who work in clinical laboratories. To be eligible for these certifications, candidates must have a Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology or a related field, as well as a certain number of years of experience in clinical microbiology.
  • National Registry of Certified Microbiologists (NRCM) certification: The NRCM is an independent certification organization that offers several certifications for microbiologists, including the Registered Microbiologist (RM) and Specialist Microbiologist (SM) certifications. These certifications are designed for microbiologists who work in a variety of settings, including clinical, industrial, and academic laboratories. To be eligible for these certifications, candidates must have a Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology or a related field, as well as a certain number of years of experience in microbiology.
  • Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) certification: The APHL offers several certifications for microbiologists who work in public health laboratories, including the Specialist in Public Health Microbiology (SPHM) certification. To be eligible for this certification, candidates must have a Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology or a related field, as well as a certain number of years of experience in public health microbiology.

Associations
There are several professional organizations for microbiologists that offer opportunities for networking, continuing education, research funding, and scientific collaboration. These associations bring together experts in the field and offer resources and support for professionals at all stages of their careers.

  • American Society for Microbiology (ASM): The largest professional organization for microbiologists in the US, offering resources, conferences, and publications for members.
  • American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB): A society focused on the study of plant biology, including topics such as plant-microbe interactions, plant pathology, and plant-microbe symbiosis.
  • Society for Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology (SIMB): A professional society dedicated to advancing the field of industrial microbiology and biotechnology.
  • Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL): An organization focused on promoting the role of public health laboratories in disease detection, prevention, and control, including microbiology testing.
  • Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA): A society focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious diseases, including those caused by microorganisms.
  • American Association of Immunologists (AAI): A society focused on the study of the immune system, including the role of microorganisms in immune responses.
  • American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD): An organization focused on advancing veterinary laboratory diagnostics, including microbiology testing.
  • Association of Medical Microbiology and Immunology (AMMI) Canada: A professional society focused on medical microbiology and immunology research and education, including in the US.
  • American College of Microbiology (ACM): A professional association that provides certification and recognition for excellence in the field of microbiology.
  • American Type Culture Collection (ATCC): A non-profit organization that maintains and distributes authenticated microbial cultures for research and development purposes in the US and worldwide.