A person who wants to become a scientist may wonder, “How long does it take to become a biomedical laboratory scientist?” The answer to this question depends slightly on the degree path that a person chooses, but a doctorate degree is required for this career path. Becoming familiar with how long it takes to become a biomedical laboratory scientist helps a person plan their educational and personal goals.
Earn an Undergraduate Degree
The first step toward becoming a biomedical laboratory scientist is to earn a bachelor’s degree in a major such as chemistry, biology or physics. Many students take a pre-med curriculum that includes courses on medical terminology, human anatomy, physiology, genetics and neuroscience. Earning a bachelor’s degree usually takes four years, but earning some college credits in high school, taking summer classes or testing out of beginner-level classes could shorten the time.
Earn a Doctoral Degree
The next part of becoming a biomedical laboratory scientist is earning a doctoral degree. There are several applicable doctoral degrees that would prepare a person for working as a medical scientist. A doctor of medicine (MD) or doctor of osteopathy (DO) are degrees for physicians. A philosophy doctorate (PhD) or doctor of dental surgery (DDS) are also applicable doctoral degrees for becoming a biomedical laboratory scientist. In a PhD program, a person typically focuses on a specific area of expertise, such as human genetics and one gene or process of it. In an MD or DO degree, a person may aim for a specialty, such as immunology or infectious diseases. Earning an MD, DO or DDS degree usually takes four years. A PhD may take five or six years to complete. Some people do a combined MD/PhD program. Others may combine an MD or DDS and a master’s of public health (MPH) degree. When taken concurrently, the MPH adds one or two semesters of study.
Complete a Dissertation or Pass a Residency Program
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the next part of becoming a biomedical laboratory scientist involves completing a dissertation or passing a residency program. For a PhD or MPH student, the dissertation or thesis is usually part of the planned timeline, but finishing and defending it may require an extra semester for some students. An MD or DO residency requires two to four years of in-hospital training, depending on the specialty.
Participate in a Post-doctoral Fellowship
A post-doctoral fellowship is the last part of the education required to become a biomedical laboratory scientist. A fellowship may last for one to four years, depending on the specialty and research topic. During a post-doctoral fellowship, the person learns while doing research in a laboratory. They typically work under a more senior scientist, but they often develop their own research question to answer.
Related Resource: Top 10 Doctor of Public Health Degrees Online
Understanding how long it takes to become a biomedical laboratory scientist ensures that a person is prepared for the long haul of education, fellowship and training. Although it takes a while to become a biomedical laboratory scientist, the amount of time and effort put into the process can prove to be personally and professionally rewarding. Knowing the answer to, “How long does it take to become a biomedical laboratory scientist?” prepares a person for their professional future in an exciting and in-demand field of expertise.