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Careers in biology other than being a physician?
Hi! I'm a junior in high school and I'm extremely passionate about biology and science in general. I've done a few research projects in various medical labs and think that health and medicine is a field I would like to pursue, but the idea of being a surgeon or physician of any kind does not interest me as much. I'm worried that if I major in biology, the only available path after graduating would be med school and I was wondering what other options were potentially out there?
#biology #medschool #doctor #research
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5 answers
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Cameron’s Answer
You do not have to go to medical school if you pursue a degree in biology! It sounds like you have done some medical research, so one option would be to continue your research work. There are lots of research assistant and clinical research coordinator positions available at universities and hospitals, and if you want to take your research one step forward, you could pursue a Master's or PhD. You can also consider other non-academic career options in biotech or pharmaceuticals.
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Doan’s Answer
Other fields include:
* drug research using data which is more data engineering and data science
* scientist — we are still looking for life on Mars and other planets in the solar system
* health industry consulting — a business oriented career that focuses on how to solve problems for life sciences and health care companies
* drug research using data which is more data engineering and data science
* scientist — we are still looking for life on Mars and other planets in the solar system
* health industry consulting — a business oriented career that focuses on how to solve problems for life sciences and health care companies
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Aprile’s Answer
You 100% don't need to go to medical school with a biology degree! I would recommend looking into biology research. There are so many fields for you to get involved with, from molecular biology to zoology. In addition, if you enjoy teaching, you could consider a career in education as well! I know this is a relatively short email, but hopefully this helps:)
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Pallavi’s Answer
Hi there,
I agree with the options that were mentioned from previous answers. There are so many options for biology and it’s great that you were able to do lab projects in high school.
Med school is an option, but it’s definitely not the only option post-undergrad. There are even more options at the undergraduate level. I’ve known people who were interested in biology and did undergraduate majors in medical laboratory technology, dietetics, nursing, and respiratory therapy.
Other post-grad options include occupational therapy, physical therapy, dentistry, and veterinary. Also, you could do a business degree with a life sciences focus and become a consultant or a sales rep for a life science company.
I agree with the options that were mentioned from previous answers. There are so many options for biology and it’s great that you were able to do lab projects in high school.
Med school is an option, but it’s definitely not the only option post-undergrad. There are even more options at the undergraduate level. I’ve known people who were interested in biology and did undergraduate majors in medical laboratory technology, dietetics, nursing, and respiratory therapy.
Other post-grad options include occupational therapy, physical therapy, dentistry, and veterinary. Also, you could do a business degree with a life sciences focus and become a consultant or a sales rep for a life science company.
Updated
Priscilla’s Answer
A biology degree will give you many options to pursue. Most jobs will require an advanced degree. Some options are:
Biochemist or biophysicist: you can pursue biomedical research and develop new products, work in biotechnology, develop gene therapies or manage a research team..
Chemical engineer: Solve problems that involve the use of chemicals, drugs, food, fuel and other products.
Biology teacher in high school or university.
Environmental scientist: identify and identify threats to the environment, and develop plans to control problems such as land or air pollution.
Genetic counselor: provide disease risk assessment, and educate individuals and families about genetic testing and management.
As you can see, there are many fields to explore in biology. Think about your personality type when choosing a career. Would you prefer to work with people (extrovert), or with research and data (introvert)? Just reading about each job will let you know if it’s people-oriented or research-based.
Your next step should be reading about all of the careers being suggested by me and others. Become comfortable with each job description.
Once you zero in on what bio career is a good fit, do some volunteer work in that field during the summer..
Biochemist or biophysicist: you can pursue biomedical research and develop new products, work in biotechnology, develop gene therapies or manage a research team..
Chemical engineer: Solve problems that involve the use of chemicals, drugs, food, fuel and other products.
Biology teacher in high school or university.
Environmental scientist: identify and identify threats to the environment, and develop plans to control problems such as land or air pollution.
Genetic counselor: provide disease risk assessment, and educate individuals and families about genetic testing and management.
As you can see, there are many fields to explore in biology. Think about your personality type when choosing a career. Would you prefer to work with people (extrovert), or with research and data (introvert)? Just reading about each job will let you know if it’s people-oriented or research-based.
Priscilla recommends the following next steps: