This article discusses the masters in biomedical sciences degree, some of the subjects and courses that the degree covers, and why you may want to consider this degree to advance your career. It also presents a high-quality masters in biomedical science program that you can complete online and may want to consider.
What Is a Masters in Biomedical Sciences?
The masters degree in biomedical sciences has been developed for those who want a career in the health care industry that focuses on the various sciences that have to do with functioning of the human body, such as biochemistry, immunology, hematology, cytology, histology, and transfusion services. This degree enables them to take on greater positions of leadership in the field, and make some contributions to the development of the field of biomedical sciences.
The degree tends to be quite flexible, allowing students to focus on their personal interests or career goals. Hence, many schools offer specialization options in areas, such as patient care, disease prevention, reproductive science, neuroscience, optometry, cardiovascular disease, biochemistry, oncology, and more. Meanwhile, all students will learn about core subjects, such as how to work in laboratories, data collection and analysis, how to design scientific projects, how to write scientific articles, how to write grant proposals, and more. The focus is generally on research, and it is common to see a requirement for a thesis and/or research project before graduation.
Although each university can set its own admission requirements, most will require a bachelor’s degree in a related scientific field. Those who have that will be able to complete the masters in biomedical sciences in approximately two years. For many students, it is a bridge program that enables them to move on to medical, dental, or veterinary school. Others go on to complete doctorate degrees and become researchers or academia within pharmaceutical or biomedical industries.
Most schools will offer a curriculum that is heavy on research and on practical laboratory components. Sometimes, students will even present their work at scientific conferences or have it submitted to scientific journals. Some of the core courses they will take are:
- Molecular Cell Biology
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Genomics and Proteomics
- Biostatistics
- Neuroanatomy
Why Earn a Masters in Biomedical Sciences?
Graduates of the masters in biomedical sciences degree have the opportunity to move on to a doctorate degree in a variety of fields, including dental medicine, veterinary medicine, biomedical sciences, or biochemistry. Because the focus is on the biomedical sciences, graduates may also use the degree as an entry point to medical school, enabling them to study towards professions, such as podiatry, pharmaceuticals, optometry, and other related disciplines.
During the masters degree program in the biomedical sciences, students take advanced courses in these sciences, while placing a strong focus on research in a field that interests them personally. In so doing, they will become ready to take on positions within various industries or within academia. Hence, those who do not wish to continue their education, or who wish to do so later, can utilize the degree to obtain interesting and lucrative professional positions.
There is a particularly high demand for biomedical engineers right now, as there has been an increasing need for the technology that is applicable for medical devices and equipment. For instance, the medical fields now use three-dimensional printing and smartphone technology, which is something that those are focused on the biomedical sciences must be able to incorporate.
Another reason why there is such a demand for graduates in this field is because there is an increased demand for biomedical procedures and devices. This is a result of members of the baby boom generation reaching retirement age while living longer because of healthy lifestyles. It is believed that this situation will continue over the next few years. Additionally, people are becoming more aware of advances in the medical field, which means people are actively requesting biomedical solutions for their ailments.
A biomedical scientist will work alongside other multidisciplinary specialists, including manufacturers, physicians, and medical researchers. Together, they will aim to develop biomedical solutions for health conditions. Put together, all these advances have made the job market for such graduate degree holders very attractive.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has reported that biomedical engineers earn a median salary of $85,620 per year as of May 2016. However, this is at the bachelor’s degree level. Those who have completed a master’s degree are more likely to be in the top 10% of earners, who enjoy salaries of $134,620 per year or more. The BLS has also reported that there will be a 23% rise in demand for biomedical engineers from 2014 to 2024, which is much faster than the national average. This will translate into some 5,100 new jobs.
Online Option for Masters in Biomedical Sciences
Liberty University
If you are interested in studying towards a masters in biomedical sciences, you may want to consider the Master of Science (MS) in Biomedical Sciences offered by Liberty University, which is available fully online. The degree is designed for those who aim to continue on to an advanced medical degree program, including physician assistant school, dental school, and medical school. Graduates are equipped with strong foundations skills in genetics, cell biology, advanced human anatomy, biochemistry, ethics, and physiology. Additionally, it increases the chances of a graduate performing well on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Graduates are respected for their in-depth understanding of microbial pathogenesis and virology; immunology; biomedical ethics; and human genetics.
The program is delivered completely online and takes 39 credit hours to finish. A number of intensives are also required for completion. Core courses that make up the curriculum include:
- Biochemistry
- Human Genetics.
- Biomedical Ethics
- Human Neurology and Neuroanatomy
- Advanced Cell Biology
- Advanced Immunology
- Microbial Pathogenesis and Virology
- Principles of Pathology
- Biostatistics
Those who graduate from a masters in biomedical sciences program can take on a number of positions within academic or research fields, particularly if you don’t want to go on to some sort of medical school. Some of those positions are:
- Laboratory manager
- Research technician
- Clinical scientist
- Biological scientist
- Medical science specialist
- Biomedical sciences educator
- Environmental technician
- Chemical technician
- Medical technologist
- Forensic scientist
- Physician assistant
Summary
Clearly, when you earn a masters in biomedical sciences, you have the opportunity to take your career to a whole new level. Whether you want to work in the field of biomedical sciences itself, or continue your education by going to an advanced medical school, many opportunities are out there for you. Either way, completing a graduate degree of this level will give you proven leadership skills and a great deal of personal satisfaction and pride as well.
References
- Biomedical Engineers. (2015, Dec. 17). Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/biomedical-engineers.htm
- Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.liberty.edu/online/masters/biomedical-sciences/
