For a clinical research specialist, there may be some room for upward career growth. For example, you might decide to pursue the job of medical scientist. Medical scientists typically lead teams of technicians as they design and conduct medical science experiments.
It is considered a standard requirement for medical scientists to have a terminal degree. Many medical scientists hold PhDs, although some have medical degrees and have acquired the necessary licensure to become medical doctors.5 Other scientists hold dual medical degrees and PhDs. The particular PhD you choose should focus on life or medical sciences. For example, it’s common for medical scientists to earn a PhD in biology or chemistry.5
New doctoral students can expect to pass a number of classes before taking their comprehensive exams (“comps”). In graduate school, comps aren’t limited to testing material taught in any one particular class. Rather, comps test broad knowledge across the student’s field of expertise.
After passing your comps, you’ll become a doctoral candidate and you will conduct your own original research. Doctoral candidates’ research adds to the body of knowledge in the field. You’ll write your dissertation based on your research. Once your dissertation is successfully defended, you’ll be awarded your PhD, and you may have the opportunity to become a medical scientist.
The College of Nursing and Health Care Professions and the College of Science, Engineering and Technology at Grand Canyon University are pleased to offer the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree program and the Bachelor of Science in Biology with an Emphasis in Pre-Med to aspiring clinical research specialists. Complete the form on this page to begin planning your future at GCU.
1 Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2017, August 31). Love Your Beauty Rest? You Can Thank These Brain Cells. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
2 Cleveland Clinic. (2020, October 6). Cleveland Clinic Unveils Top 10 Medical Innovations for 2021. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
3 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2022, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical Scientists, retrieved on May 16, 2023.
4 Occupational Outlook Handbook. (2023, January 9). Medical Scientists Job Outlook. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved on May 16, 2023.
5 O*NET OnLine. (n.d.) Medical Scientists. Retrieved on May 16, 2023.