Online Masters in Biomedical Science

graduate students who are looking to continue their education while maintaining current family or job obligations. Educational technology has made leaps and bounds so that now many schools offer the same programs online as they do on campus. This means you benefit from quality education without having to commute to class.

Online learning may be beneficial to you if you either live too far from a university program, or just cannot relocate. The upside may be convenience; students typically log into a course management system and study from wherever they have a reliable Internet access. This will work well for an independent learner. Digital tools allow research via online libraries, and students stay connected to faculty and classmates via web-based methods.

Biomedical Science Masters Programs do entail rigorous study and lab work. You may need to have access to a laboratory in order to complete projects or research, so it is wise to verify these issues with the school you are thinking of attending.

Typically, one needs a Bachelor’s degree in a science field in order to apply into an Online Masters in Biomedical Sciences program. These are research-intensive programs and usually also require a thesis and about 2 years to complete.

Review Online Masters in Biomedical Science degree programs on GradSchools.com to see what types of options for study there are. It is a vast discipline. Some of your choices might include: Online Master of Science in Biotechnology, Online Master in Prosthetics and Orthotics, and Online Master in Biomedical Sciences Programs.

Why Earn an Online Biomedical Science Masters Degree?

Some students use an Online Masters in Biomedical Science degree to prepare themselves with a foundation in clinical care (patient care and health delivery systems) and human medicine (anatomy and biology) in order to apply for admission to veterinary, dental or medical school.

Other students are intending to use the Masters degree in Biomedical Science as a springboard to a PhD, a Medical Degree, or for careers where doctorate-level education is required such as careers in academia, biomedical research or to work in the biotechnical or pharmaceutical industries.

Online Masters in Biomedical Sciences Potential Coursework

The biomedical sciences are a vast and interdisciplinary academic field that studies the biological sciences and their application to the medical field. Some of the fields that the biomedical sciences encompass include molecular science, biochemistry, and genetics. Students in biomedical Science Masters programs often create their own study plans that focus on their interests by taking electives. Some of the core courses might include:

• Microbiology
• Biochemistry
• Anatomy
• Pharmacology
• Molecular cell biology
• Genomics and proteomics
• Neuroanatomy

Students may also be encouraged to take classes in writing, in order to be able to write grant proposals, and document their research in clearly expressed scientific articles.

Common Areas of Specialization For Masters in Biomedical Science Students

When choosing an area of specialization, it definitely helps to have an end career in mind. Some common choices for specializations in Biomedical Science Masters Programs include areas such as:

• Biochemistry
• Oncology
• Optometry
• Biotechnology
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Reproductive Science

Explore a Potential Career in Biomedical Science

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, biomedical scientists have a bright future, with a projected increase in employment of 8% between 2014 and 2024^[i]. They attribute this to a variety of factors that include:

• Larger and aging population
• Increased rates of chronic conditions
• Current reliance on pharmaceuticals
• Need for research into treating diseases (AIDS, Alzheimer’s)
• Need for development of treatments and medicines

The median annual wage for medical scientists in May 2014 was $79,930, with ranges from the lowest 10% at less than $43,150 and the highest 10% easned more than $148,210^[ii]..

FUN FACT: some of the associated job titles for medical scientists includes: Associate Director, Experimental Medicine; Clinical Laboratory Scientist; Clinical Pharmacologist; Investigator; Laboratory Director; Post-Doctoral Fellow; Research Scientist; Scientist; Senior Research Scientist; Senior Scientist^[iii]

The industries with the highest levels of employment for medical scientists, excluding epidemiologists, are^[iv]:

• Scientific research and development services
• Colleges, universities, professional schools
• General medical and surgical hospitals
• Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing
• Medical and diagnostic laboratories

Whereas an entry-level job for Medical and clinical laboratory technicians is usually a bachelor’s degree^[v], working as a Medical Scientist typically requires a PhD in biology or a related life science, and some professionals have both a medical degree and a PhD.

Biomedical scientists design and conduct studies to understand, treat and prevent human diseases, as well as test medical devices and develop programs to improve health outcomes. They use clinical trials, form hypothesis and may work with physicians to test a new drug on patients in these studies. The research work of Biomedical Scientists is what often finds cures or treatment protocols in illnesses from diabetes to lung cancer, and is a vital aspect of Medicine

Ready to Pursue a Masters in Biomedical Science Degree Online?

Earning an Online Masters in Biomedical Science degree may enhance the scientific and professional preparation of students who have aspirations of pursuing careers in the health professions or in a related field requiring graduate level biomedical sciences.  Use the search tools on GradSchools.com to find the program that matches your needs!

Sources:[i] bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/medical-scientists.htm |[ii] bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/medical-scientists.htm |[iii] onetonline.org/link/summary/19-1042.0 | [iv] bls.gov/oes/current/oes191042.htm |[v] bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-and-clinical-laboratory-technologists-and-technicians