Graduate programs in the biomedical science major are typically divided into two categories: clinical programs and research-oriented programs. Clinical programs offer instruction on clinical practice, research methods, and methods of research investigation. Research-oriented programs often cover topics such as genetics, biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, and anatomy.
Undergraduate clinical programs typically involve four years of full-time education. Students complete a clinical rotation during which they work one clinical lab shift and one lab course. Courses taught at the clinical laboratory level include basic science techniques, histology and pathology, and lab analysis. At the end of the clinical coursework, students must complete a capstone project that relates their clinical experience to the goal of their doctorate program or research project.
The clinical portion of the MS and Doctor of Science in biomedical technologies is similar to the clinical rotations that students complete in graduate programs in the sciences. Students complete two years of laboratory training, followed by two years of clinical training, depending on the specific field or research field. Two clinical rotations may be combined into a single clinical sequence. During the clinical sequence, students will complete a capstone project that relates to their doctorate research.
The Master’s degree in biomedical technology is similar to a doctorate program in the biological sciences. The program consists of two years of full-time education. It usually includes a clinical rotation and a research-oriented sequence, plus a capstone project. Students in the MS program may also opt to pursue a Ph.D. degree in biomedical technology.
In a doctoral program, a doctorate student completes a two-year program with two years of independent study, usually in collaboration with an adviser or departmental faculty member. Following this two-year program, students enroll in a dissertation and final exam. which provides a thorough exploration of a specific aspect of biomedical technology.
Both MS and Doctor of Science in biomedical technology programs require that students earn either a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning (accredited through the Department of Education) or a certificate from a regional community college. An institution of higher learning must meet minimum requirements to become eligible for accreditation.
Students may choose to take courses at a community college, or pay someone to do university examination for credit if the college does not offer courses specific to the degree program chosen. Students can enroll in an approved online program through a university if they prefer not to attend a traditional college. A graduate program will provide more exposure to the advanced level courses required for a higher level of success in the career field.
An individual seeking to enter into this field as a medical technologist may choose to complete an MS and doctorate in biomedical technology, but does not have to. The MS and Doctor of Science in biomedical technology programs do not require an undergraduate degree in biology or chemistry, but a Bachelor’s degree in science, mathematics, chemistry or health professions.
The bachelor’s degree may be obtained through an accredited university or accredited technical college. Students will be required to complete a specific number of credits to earn a bachelor’s degree in biomedical technology and then complete additional clinical and lab training in order to apply to a doctoral program. Students should work hard to develop a good study plan before beginning a career in biomedical technology. to help them succeed in this highly demanding career field.
The doctoral program is four years long and students must complete a dissertation and pass a review board exam in order to earn their doctorate degree. Students in a doctoral program are expected to carry out a thorough study and review of their dissertation before they even consider applying to a post-graduate program in biomedical technology.
Those who earn a Master’s degree in biomedical technology can choose to further their education through a dissertation. Students should expect to spend one or two years in clinical training to learn about the clinical practice of biomedical technology. The doctorate program will be followed by two or three years of continuing education activities to enhance their knowledge base. In order to advance to the level of Doctorate level, students should complete two years of research.
