Choosing a Career Path With a Biology Degree
Getting a degree in biology is an excellent way to start a career. There are a number of interesting jobs you can do with your degree, and you'll be able to find one that fits your personality. If you're interested in working in research, you can consider a career as a scientist. You can also become a medical hygienist or a media journalist.
Phlebotomist
Whether you are a phlebotomist interested in a new career or you are an experienced phlebotomist looking for a change, there are many options to consider. You can work in hospitals, medical facilities, or in the field of blood donation.
A phlebotomist's duties include collecting blood, testing tissues, and maintaining test tubes and needles. They also assist in clinical studies and public health data collection. They may be needed to draw blood during emergency room visits and surgical procedures. The BLS estimates that phlebotomists will see an increase in jobs between 2020 and 2030.
You can start a career in phlebotomy with a GED or a high school diploma, but there are some additional requirements to complete. Some states require certification and employers prefer candidates with certification.
Students can get phlebotomy training at community colleges or technical schools. They are typically fast-paced, and take less than a year to complete.
Some programs include a phlebotomist externship. In this type of program, students may work on a patient's or classmate's lab or in a hospital. They can gain valuable experience that can help them with future nursing or medical coursework.
There are several accredited online phlebotomy programs available for students who wish to prepare for a phlebotomist career. They are usually less expensive than in-person programs. They can be taken on a part-time or full-time schedule.
After you have completed your training, you can obtain a national certification for phlebotomy. This is not required in every state, but it can make you stand out among other applicants. You may also need continuing education credits to renew your license.
A phlebotomist career is not easy, but it is a rewarding one. If you have a biology degree and a love for the health and medical fields, this can be a good fit for you.
Research scientist
Using a biology degree can open a number of careers in the research and life sciences industries. These positions require a combination of academic training and practical laboratory experience. Regardless of the field, research scientists need to develop the ability to communicate scientific information to non-technical people.
Aspiring researchers should begin by working toward a master's degree. This will allow you to take on positions as a research assistant or researcher. In addition, you should also consider completing an internship or externship.
Depending on the industry, biomedical researchers may work in academia, hospitals, or in commercial and government laboratories. These researchers use various methods to study diseases. They conduct clinical trials and analyze data. Often, they work in teams, sharing findings with colleagues.
Some scientists advance to management or regulatory roles. Others move to business development or communications positions. Regardless of the field, a research scientist should work to improve his or her written and verbal communication skills.
Having a biology degree opens a range of career options, including biologists in the pharmaceutical sector. These professionals work with healthcare providers to develop campaigns to cure illnesses. They also help the public understand how science affects their lives.
Those with a medical degree can apply for positions as medical researchers. These professionals are responsible for analyzing biological samples and holding other healthcare professionals accountable for the quality of their work.
Aspiring research scientists should develop their skills in areas like critical thinking and research management. They should also hone their writing style and audience-specific communication skills. This will ensure that they are prepared for an entry-level position.
A PhD in biomedical science is usually required for this career. However, you can also pursue a career as a research scientist with a bachelor's degree.
Dental hygienist
Whether you are interested in a career as a dental hygienist or are simply looking to further your education, a biology degree can help you. The degree provides you with a deeper understanding of health and disease and helps you to develop new and better tactics for dental care.
Typically, a bachelor's degree is required to practice as a dental hygienist. It's also a good idea to complete prerequisite courses in the sciences. These will prepare you for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination. Those who pass the exam will earn a license as a registered dental hygienist.
You can pursue a master's degree in dental hygiene to further your career. These programs are usually offered in person or online. Most require a capstone project to complete.
You can also earn an associate's degree in dental hygiene. These programs are usually completed at a community college or technical school. These degrees are typically completed in two years. Some may include a supervised clinical experience. Depending on your state, you may be required to take additional exams.
The National Board Dental Hygiene Examination is broken into a discipline-based portion and a case-based component. It is scored on a scale of 49-99. It tests your knowledge of drug laws, anesthesia, restorative techniques, and more.
Those who complete a dental hygienist degree will develop analytical, critical thinking, and leadership skills. They will learn how to teach and conduct research. They will also develop a sense of professionalism.
Those who want to go on to graduate school can choose a program to focus on pediatric oral health or systemic diseases. These programs tend to have more resources for research.
Media and journalism
Having a biology degree can lead to a variety of media and journalism careers. The field is growing with the rise of online platforms, which creates a need for skilled professionals.
To become a successful journalist, you must possess many skills. Writing is a basic skill, but you also need to have a thorough understanding of basic audio and video editing. Creating your own web page is another important skill.
A journalism degree is an ideal major if you are interested in becoming a public figure. You can become a television newscaster, sportscaster, or social media manager. You can even become a videographer or audio engineer.
The best journalism degree programs will allow you to choose from a wide range of subjects. You can study photography, journalism, business, and political science. A minimum of 120 credits is required, including nine credit hours in sciences. You can earn additional credit in career path courses and capstone courses.
A bachelor's degree in journalism will prepare you for a number of career paths, including news reporting, broadcasting, and print. You can also choose to specialize in photojournalism, documentary journalism, or journalism ethics.
As a general rule, the most interesting journalism jobs are the entry-level positions. However, many people find fulfillment in the field and are able to advance in their career through experience. You might also want to consider a doctoral degree to take your career to the next level.
Some new communicators opt for formal training under a long-time journalist. Others apply for national internships or freelancing with a partner. There are also many certificate courses available on the web. Taking the time to do the right course can improve your chances of employment.
Zoology
Whether you want to work with animals or you are interested in the study of the natural world, a zoology career path can be a good choice. The field of zoology involves studying the biology, physiology, and behavior of animals.
Zooologists can conduct research in a variety of locations, including natural environments. They may also take part in experiments with animals in a zoo. Some zoologists also work for conservation groups. These groups are responsible for protecting natural resources, such as water, minerals, and land. They may work with governments to implement laws and regulations that protect wildlife and habitats.
A bachelor's degree is usually required to work as a zoologist. A master's degree is recommended for more advanced scientific work. It takes about four years to earn a bachelor's degree, and five to ten years to earn a PhD. If you choose to pursue a PhD, you will be able to lead a team and conduct extensive, high-level research.
A bachelor's degree in zoology will give you a strong understanding of animals and their environment. You will also learn about the principles of evolution and how they affect animals. You will also gain a basic knowledge of chemistry, math, and botany.
A zoology degree is also an excellent preparation for a career as a veterinarian. You will need to have a license to practice veterinary medicine in every state. They perform physical exams, give immunizations, and provide emergency care. They must also be able to communicate effectively and have a scientific background.
The job outlook for zoologists is favorable, with a projected growth of five percent through 2030. New threats to wildlife will be the driving force behind hiring new zoologists.