What Can I Do with a Biomedical Science Degree?

With a biomedical sciences degree, your career possibilities are diverse and abundant. At UNH COLSA, our three Biomedical Science majors are designed to equip you for a variety of roles in the health sector and beyond. You can pursue traditional paths such as research and clinical applications, where you can contribute to advancing medical knowledge and patient care. But your expertise can also be invaluable in less conventional roles that rely on a deep understanding of biology and medicine, such as in science communication, policy making, or health education. In this blog post, we'll be going over the myriad career opportunities a Biomedical Science degree offers you, as well as some tips to help you when you're ready to enter the job market after graduation.

Understanding Biomedical Science

The skills you develop throughout your biomedical sciences education, like analytical thinking and problem-solving, are highly sought after in many fields. For example, roles in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and regulatory affairs offer opportunities to apply your knowledge in a corporate or industry setting. Alternatively, your degree can serve as a stepping stone to further education and specialization in fields such as medicine, dentistry, or academia. Each career path appreciates the critical thinking and rigorous scientific training inherent to a biomedical sciences background.

Moreover, the landscape of biomedical sciences careers is always evolving.  When new challenges arise, such as public health issues and technological advancements, your degree positions you to be at the forefront of innovation and change. Whether you choose to focus on research, patient care, or industry, you can be confident that a biomedical sciences degree provides a strong foundation for a meaningful and dynamic career.

Scope of Biomedical Sciences

The biomedical sciences encompass an interdisciplinary approach focused on the understanding of human health and disease. As a biomedical science major, you're exposed to a plethora of subjects including biology, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, immunology, and molecular biology. You might start at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) COLSA, where specialized programs like the Medical Laboratory Science option provide a firm foundation in diagnostic laboratory work, which is crucial in disease treatment and prevention.

Moreover, the biomedical science realm offers diverse opportunities. By pursuing an undergraduate major in this area, you're preparing not just for laboratory-based roles but also a wide range of career options in research, academia, healthcare policy, or pharmaceutical development.

Core Principles and Skills

Biomedical science is grounded in a set of core principles that include understanding the molecular mechanisms of disease, the body's immune responses, and the intricate details of genetic inheritance. Critical thinking and data analysis are central to this discipline, enabling you to decipher complex scientific data and draw meaningful conclusions.

In a program like the Medical and Veterinary Sciences option, you not only delve into biochemistry and molecular biology but also develop communication skills that are essential for conveying scientific information. Whether you’re working on groundbreaking research or communicating your findings, these skills place you at the core of scientific advancements that shape our understanding of life sciences.

Career Paths in Biomedical Science

With a biomedical science degree, you embark on a journey through a versatile field that offers various fulfilling career opportunities tailored to your interests. Whether it's research, technology, or working directly with patients, your choice impacts health outcomes and scientific advancements.

Research and Development

In Research and Development (R&D), you craft the future of medical treatments and health care technologies. As a research scientist or biotechnologist, you may secure funding through organizations like the National Science Foundation (NSF) for groundbreaking projects. Engaging in pharmacology, neuroscience, or other specializations, biomedical science jobs in R&D deliver competitive salaries, reflecting the significant impact of your work.

Clinical and Laboratory Work

Clinical and laboratory work forms the backbone of patient diagnosis and research validity. Working in hospitals or laboratories, your role as a clinical scientist, laboratory technician, or microbiologist contributes to advancements in health. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) often supports such critical roles, ensuring that those on the forefront of medical testing and diagnostics have the resources they need.

Biomedical Technology and Engineering

The field of biomedical technology and engineering merges engineering principles with biological knowledge to develop life-saving devices and equipment. As a biomedical engineer, you may work in development, testing, or maintenance, ensuring that technological applications meet the complex needs of medical professionals and patients. This sector often requires collaboration with institutions like the Medical Research Council to align engineering innovation with medical research goals.

Medical Sales and Technical Support

Medical sales and technical support serve as critical links between manufacturers and healthcare providers. A medical sales representative informs and distributes the latest biomedical products, while technical support specialists ensure these technologies function correctly in real-world settings. Your expertise not only drives sales but also supports medical staff, drastically improving patient care and the industry's operational efficiency.

In these dynamic roles, salaries often reflect both your experience and the specialized knowledge required. Whether contributing to cutting-edge medical research or supporting veterinary sciences, a career in biomedical science adapts to your professional aspirations. Those drawn to animal health can explore opportunities through organizations like the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), which empowers professionals in veterinarian roles to excel in their field.

Working in Healthcare

With a biomedical science degree, you're uniquely positioned to play an integral role in advancing healthcare. You can contribute significantly to medicine, health, and safety in various settings.

Hospitals and Clinics

In hospitals and clinics, you can bring value as a clinical research associate or physician associate, working alongside doctors to diagnose and manage health problems. Your expertise supports the effective treatment of diseases, including cancer and chronic conditions linked to aging. Biomedical scientists are also instrumental in the implementation of clinical trials, ensuring new treatments are safe and effective for patient well-being.

Public Health and Safety

With your expertise in biomedical science, your role in public health and safety can pivotal. For example, by understanding and applying principles of epidemiology, you help control health hazards and safeguard communities. 

Medical Research

In medical research, your degree enables you to investigate the causes and progression of diseases. You'll play a key role in discovering new interventions to enhance public health. Through research on pressing challenges like cancer and aging, you can contribute significantly to our collective understanding and our ability to improve patient care and wellbeing.

Specialized Fields of Study

With a biomedical science degree, your expertise can significantly contribute to specialized fields. Each one offers a distinct impact on scientific discovery and public health.

Forensic Science

In Forensic Science, you become an integral part of legal investigations. Your role can range from a forensic scientist analyzing evidence to a crime scene investigator meticulously collecting samples onsite. Mastery in this area often requires an in-depth understanding of biological samples and attention to detail.

Genetic Counseling

Genetic Counseling is another path where communication and compassion are as crucial as scientific knowledge. As a genetic counsellor, you'll guide patients through complex genetic information, helping them understand their health risks and options.

Toxicology and Pathology

Moving into Toxicology and Pathology, your work could lead to important safety assessments as a toxicologist, or you might diagnose diseases in a pathology lab as a pathologist. These roles are pivotal in discovering how substances affect living organisms and the causes behind illnesses, respectively.

Roles Beyond the Laboratory

With a biomedical science degree, your career path is not confined to the traditional laboratory environment. You can thrive in various roles that leverage your scientific expertise while exploring realms such as communication, education, and industry.

Science Communication and Journalism

If you possess a knack for translating complex scientific concepts into digestible content, careers in science communication and journalism may suit you. You could become a science writer or science journalist, creating content for publishing companies or media outlets. This role involves researching scientific advancements and conveying them clearly to inform or educate the public.

Education and Teaching

In the field of education, your knowledge can inspire the next generation of scientists. You could pursue a role as a teacher, specializing in STEM teaching, or work as a teaching laboratory technician. These positions allow you to contribute to the scientific literacy of your community and play a direct role in shaping future professionals in the STEM fields.

Industry and Regulatory Roles

There's a continual demand for biomedical science graduates in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, where you could work as a biotechnologist, developing new products or improving existing ones. Alternatively, regulatory affairs offer positions where you ensure that companies comply with all of the regulations and laws pertaining to their business. These roles require a deep understanding of scientific principles and the ability to apply them within a regulatory framework, balancing scientific innovation with public safety and ethical considerations.

Navigating the Job Market

Entering the job market with a biomedical science degree opens a diversity of doors in various sectors, including academia, industry, and healthcare. Knowing how to present yourself and continuing to develop your skill set are crucial steps in securing your desired role.

Building a Strong Resume

Your resume is often the first impression you make on potential employers. Highlighting your project management and research undertaken at universities or research institutes is vital. Make use of UNH’s resources for templates and how-to guides tailored for crafting resumes that stand out in the biomedical field.

• Education: Include your biomedical science degree and relevant coursework.
• Experience: List internships, work experience, and project involvement, emphasizing any leadership or collaboration roles.

The Importance of Networking

Networking is a key component for biomedical professionals. Engaging with professional associations and attending events hosted by universities can lead to invaluable connections and insight into career opportunities.

• Connect with peers and faculty at your university.
• Reach out to alumni through your university's career services for guidance or mentorship.

Continuing Education and Training

The biomedical field is constantly evolving, making continuous learning essential. Pursue further education, certifications, or training to enhance your marketability as a medical science liaison or other specialized roles.

• Seek continuing education programs to stay current with biomedical advancements.
• Consider certifications in project management to boost your leadership qualifications.