What is the career path for a biologist?

The career path for a biologist involves jobs as a scientist, a biology professor, and many different roles in the medical field. The field of biology is vast and has opportunities for many different types of roles where biological skills and knowledge are needed. The career path for a biologist is determined by many things, but starts with education.

Most biologists have a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in biology. While some also obtain doctoral degrees in biology, such as an MD or a Ph.D. In terms of education length, the road to becoming a biologist can take anywhere from six to 13 years.

This is because there are so many subfields of biology. What you choose to focus on will determine how much schooling you need and point you in somewhat of a specific direction for a career in biology. Here are some of the subfields of biology that can affect the career path of a biologist:

• Biochemistry

• Zoology

• Biophysics

• Cell biology

• Genetics

• Anatomy

• Molecular biology

• Botany

• Microbiology

• Physiology

• Ecology

It is important for biologists to choose an area of focus within biology to give them the skills and knowledge needed for certain career paths. While in school many aspiring biologists also participate in internship programs to prepare them for a career in their specialty with practical and technical skills and experience. Here are some options for biology-related internships:

• Biochemical labs

• Hospitals

• Wildlife preserves

Many also choose to assist in lab research projects while in college. These types of experiences also help to expand a biologist's network. Gaining professional relationships in biology can help with:

• Job opportunities

• Potential research

• Opportunities to publish research

• Partnerships

There are also many who major in biology for their undergrad, and then pursue medical or nursing degrees, these include professionals like:

• Nurses

• Doctors

• Immunologists

• Geneticists

Certain careers in biology also benefit from professional certifications. This is because many biological careers are highly specialized, and can focus on one subfield of biology. There are many different certifications you can gain in biology, from technologist of molecular biology to embryology certification, or a wildlife biologist certification.

Marine biology is another popular career path. Many marine biologists must also obtain professional certifications in their field. Dive certification is often required for many positions. This means you need training in scuba diving safety and protocols.

There are some who also choose to go into academia and become a professor of biology, or another subfield of biology. This career path can be very attractive because of the opportunity for tenure and the chance to further their biological research at the academic institution they work for.

Biologists can work almost anywhere in terms of industry and the wide variety of roles they can fill. Here are just some of the areas biologists can find career opportunities:

• Science (private and public)

• Art

• Law

• Business

• Public health

• Education