What Can I Do With a Master’s Degree in Biomedical Science?
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In December of 2016, Congress passed the 21st Century Cures Act, which helps encourage innovation and advancement in biomedical research in private and public studies. In this spirit, the government planned to spend a total of $6.3 billion on medical research initiatives in the coming decade, with a particular view toward expanding the number of applications in the medical sciences.
With this influx of interest and funding, common technologies that keep clinics and laboratories running smoothly and providing actionable biomedical results will soon require a level of training on par with that of post-secondary education. In fact, many current positions require this training.
Preparing for an exciting career in the biomedical sciences means exhibiting flexibility, as the job you seek could be in any corner of the industry. Due to extraordinary developments in biotechnologies used in everyday medical practices, many technically-focused positions require a graduate level of education.
Read on to learn about ten interesting careers that those with a master’s degree in biomedical sciences can pursue, including information about degree programs, organizations, societies, and associations with which these jobs are affiliated.
Become an Animal Technologist
Animal technologists, sometimes also known as animal laboratory technicians, work in research and development laboratories in proximity to animal species used in experiments, product-testing procedures, and reaction tests in the fields of medical research, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
These professionals are entrusted with the care, feeding, hygiene, maintenance, and monitoring of animals. These may include rats and rabbits, the two most commonly-used research animals. It is among the animal technologist’s duties to keep the lab environment in optimal condition so that experiments can be safely and routinely carried out. These professionals also often participate in the collection of data, samples, and recorded observations for test case use in their laboratories. Typically, this includes keeping track of animal behavior and noting changes in diet or physiology in response to experimental controls.
The American Association for Laboratory Animal Science gives excellent insight into the ins and outs of the animal sciences in many diverse occupational contexts.
The BLS (May 2021) has noted that the demand for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers is expected to grow much faster than the average (8 percent) at a rate of 14 percent by the year 2030. According to Salary.com, the average laboratory animal technician salary in the United States was $39,200 as of September 2022.
Become a Biomedical Researcher
Using biotechnology techniques, biomedical researchers explore the entire spectrum of biological processes. Many professionals focus on the study of disease, with a view toward the application of actionable knowledge to improve human defense against it.
The process of biomedical research is entirely procedural: c must follow b must follow a. Proper documentation is a major key to the field, requiring careful and considerate activity by many medical science professionals to validate the experimentation pipeline. These research paths often lead to new therapies, treatments, and medicines, and the steps taken to arrive at these cutting-edge treatments require an advanced level of expertise and dedication that is achieved through a master’s in the biomedical sciences.
The top-notch resource found in the National Association for Biomedical Research provides a lodestone of relevant information and reference materials for prospective biomedical researchers and professionals.
Salary.com states that the average biomedical research scientist’s salary in the United States was $90,379 as of September 2022, with the salary range typically falling between $82,122 and $100,638.
Become a Food Technologist
Food technologists work in laboratories and are experts in the science of food creation. Using chemistry and highly-specialized equipment, these professionals create flavorings from natural and artificial sources, research consumer responses to these flavorings, work hard to replicate natural colors in processed foods, and ensure that these foods have the correct size, shape, color, and consistency.
A critical element of this line of work is quality assurance, as the majority of the food technologist’s job involves working towards a better version of that food. They must follow local, state, and federal food safety and purity regulations to maintain both edibility and enjoyability. Sometimes these positions even involve a bit of business acumen, as food technologists with a master’s in biomedical science are often responsible for balancing a lab’s budget. This means they must often interface with suppliers and third parties to secure flavorings, chemicals, preservatives, and raw ingredients.
The Institute of Food Technologists is the premier resource for both current and prospective food technologist professionals. The institute offers pertinent information on product development, food safety and defense, food processing and packaging, education and careers, and public policy and regulations.
The BLS (May 2021) projects that job opportunities for food scientists and technologists will swell 7 percent between 2020 and 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations during that time (8 percent). These professionals also earn a decent living at $78,340 yearly (median annual wage).
Become a Forensic Technologist Manager
Forensic technologists, also referred to as forensic science techs, take samples of blood, urine, tissue, saliva, feces, and other materials for diagnostic use in law enforcement, laboratory science, or medical applications. They work in labs almost exclusively, where they follow federal and law enforcement standard operating procedures and regulations governing the storage of sensitive genetic material.
A master’s degree in biomedical science, with foundational coursework in clinical practice and forensic science theory, puts prospective forensic professionals in a position to perform to the high standard required in leadership positions in the field.
The National Forensic Science Technology Center works with the military, law enforcement, and laboratory staff to improve the collective representation of forensic scientists in the United States.
Between 2020 and 2030, more than 2,700 new Forensic science technician jobs are expected to be available (BLS May 2021). That represents an impressive growth rate of 16 percent, which is faster than the average for all occupations (8 percent). Forensic science technicians earn a median annual wage of $61,930.
Become a Health Policy Analyst
Health policy analysts evaluate governmental, non-profit, healthcare, or private health policy with an eye toward their wider effects on the public. Typical job duties include gathering and analyzing data to better understand the efficacy of current health policies, assisting in the development of emergent strategies to modify existing policies, assessing available health care initiatives for a private or public explanation, and consulting fellow healthcare professionals.
The ultimate goal of the health policy analyst with a master’s degree in biomedical science is to improve the public’s overall health by strengthening foundational education on lifestyle changes and the human body.
The Alliance for Health Policy serves as the world’s leading authority in the health policy industry. They help professionals network and train in current regulations with cutting-edge curricula and equipment.
According to Salary.com, the average health policy analyst salary in the United States was $69,811 as of September 2022, with the salary range typically falling between $61,122 and $79,370.
Become a Nutritionist
One of the basic requirements to become a nutritionist is a working knowledge of the medicinal properties of foods, the history of nutrition, and an up-to-date repertoire of modern nutritional science. A background in biochemistry informs one’s understanding of the molecular basis of food and how the process of metabolism works, as well as a functional comprehension of the difference between macro and micronutrients.
Nutritionists with a biomedical science degree might find themselves consulting, teaching courses at a community college or university, or finding freelance work as a dietician with a biomedical focus.
The American Society for Nutrition is the premier source of information about all things nutrition. It publishes a journal that leads the nutrition research industry and organizes conferences on trending issues in the field.
Dietitians and Nutritionists garner a median salary of $61,650 and employment is projected to grow 11 percent (7,800 new jobs added) from 2020 to 2030 (BLS May 2021).
Become a Medical Scientist
These valuable members of the medical community conduct research and development with one goal in mind: the improvement of human health. Using methods such as clinical trials, medical scientists formulate research strategies and work in concert with other professionals to communicate their findings to the public, usually via the updated medical applications of biomedical results.
In the field of biotechnology, medical scientists can advance to the position of clinical trials research manager with a combination of experience and post-secondary education. However, this position may require a PhD These professionals also often take part in the composition of research papers.
The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science spearheads the convening of conferences and the commission of studies to uphold and improve the standards of clinical and medical research.
By 2030, a 17 percent increase in demand for this particular career is expected, which means more than 22,600 new jobs around the country. Professionals in this field can expect to make a median annual salary of $95,310 (BLS May 2021).
Become a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
Apart from selling medications to new firms and companies, pharmaceutical sales representatives spend a great deal of time teaching physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals about the biochemical properties of drugs, how they were manufactured, and the laws concerning their prescription and legality.
With a master’s degree in biomedical science, pharmaceutical sales representatives are uniquely poised to inform clients about the scientific history and properties of various drugs, how they can help to treat illness or symptoms of disease, and how they work with the human body’s natural defense mechanisms. Many sales professionals begin with a bachelor’s in biomedical science, which can be a stepping stone to a more advanced career.
The first-rate resources in the National Association of Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives provide a wealth of information for go-getter pharmaceutical sales reps. Advanced degrees in biomedical science prepare professionals for upper management, operations, and administrative roles.
Salary.com states that the average sales representative (pharmaceuticals) salary in the United States was $70,524 as of September 2022, with the salary range typically falling between $46,469 and $78,902.
Become a Science or Technical Writer
Science and technical writers conduct research and develop articles on scientific topics for both educated audiences and the general public. The most common field in which these professionals find lasting work is that of science journalism, where they utilize their understanding of complex scientific principles to educate the layperson.
As a science writer, one will likely write news pieces, essays, vernacular translations, features, or findings explanations, in addition to the occasional interview with an academic, researcher, or scientist. Science writers must have a mind for proofreading and editing as well, as many of these positions involve a good deal of self-screened editing and quick turn-around times.
The National Association of Science Writers was founded in 1934 and is considered the definitive resource for science and technical writers. It offers regular awards and grants to science writing professionals. It also hosts a useful list of resources for those who want to break into the field and those who are already established science writers.
According to the BLS (May 2021), these professionals have a job that is expected to see a more than 12 percent increase in demand by 2030. The median annual wage was $78,060 in May 2021.
Become a Wildlife Biologist
Wildlife biology overlaps with zoology in many areas and the two jobs have much in common in terms of duties, such as collecting biological data and specimens for analysis, studying the influence of human activity on wildlife and natural habitats, and developing and carrying out experimental studies with protected animals.
Wildlife biologists, many of whom find work with a combination of experience and a graduate science degree, research wildlife populations and their breeding trends, implement programs to manage human-animal interaction, monitor the populations of game animals on reserves, present research findings at conferences and committees, and write reports, articles, and research papers in support of their findings.
The Zoological Association of America provides insights into the ins and outs of the various animal sciences, as well as organizes the annual ZAA conference, which brings together wildlife biologists and zoologists from the world over.
The median annual wage for zoologists and wildlife biologists was $64,650, and demand for these health professionals is expected to grow by 5 percent in the decade preceding 2030 (BLS May 2021).
