Medical Scientist
What's it like to be a Medical Scientist?
A Medical Scientist’s main responsibility is to conduct research and perform experiments with the aim of improving overall human health. They also run clinical trials to examine how drugs work on volunteer test groups. A Medical Scientist typically works in an office, laboratory, or hospital setting, working long hours. They commonly work on their own and from time-to-time work with technicians or fellow medical scientists.
Tasks and duties
- Planning and supervising studies that aim to stop and treat diseases.
- Testing medical procedures and devices.
- Gaining a deeper understanding of the human body’s physiological processes in response to injury or illness.
- Examining data and publishing findings in journals.
- Observing effects of drugs on the human body.
- Standardizing the dosage of drugs for manufacturing purposes.
How to become a Medical Scientist
To become a Medical Scientist, you need a combination of qualifications and experience.
Graduate with a bachelor degree in Medical Technology or a related course.
Become a licensed Medical Technologist by passing the Medical Technology board exam.
Gain at least four years of experience as a Medical Technologist or equivalent.
After gaining experience as a Medical Scientist, consider alternative careers such as becoming a Clinical Pharmacologist, Histopathologist, Biochemist, or Epidemiologist.
