Jobs with a pre-med degree include careers working directly with patients and careers in which you would play more of a behind-the-scenes role. Here’s a quick look at some options for jobs as a graduate of a pre-med program.
Medical and clinical laboratory technologists work behind the scenes in healthcare. When a provider orders a diagnostic lab test, they will send samples to the lab (e.g., blood, urine or tissue samples). Technologists are responsible for conducting lab tests to evaluate the samples.
They analyze the samples by using lab equipment and record the results in the patient’s medical records. They may also discuss the results with the ordering provider.
Some technologists may specialize in a certain type of lab test. For example, a blood bank technologist specializes in classifying and preparing blood for transfusions, and a microbiology technologist specializes in identifying strains of bacteria and other microorganisms.
To understand the job of a life scientist, you should first know that life sciences include biology, chemistry, botany, health science, food science, genetics and other disciplines. A life scientist is a type of scientist who works in one of these disciplines.
As you might expect, the job description of a life scientist can vary considerably depending on their chosen discipline. For instance, a food scientist might work on developing new flavor profiles through chemical analysis. A biologist might explore the decline of bee populations, and a chemist might develop new medications.
Biological scientists specialize in the study of living organisms, such as animals, plants and fungi. They might also explore how these organisms interact with their environment. Biological scientists include professionals like zoologists, wildlife biologists and forensic biologists.
Like life science, biological science is a highly diverse field. Some scientists might pursue research studies for the sake of adding to the body of knowledge in the field, while others might focus on applied research intended to solve problems.
Biological technicians support the work of scientists. They may work with medical or biological scientists. They may be responsible for tasks such as:
- Setting up and operating lab equipment and instruments
- Maintaining and sterilizing instruments and equipment
- Collecting and preparing samples for analysis
- Recording data, logging lab activities and compiling findings into reports
Like other technicians, the job of a biological technician may be ideal for someone who is interested in a science career but doesn’t necessarily want to meet the requirements necessary to become a scientist.
If you’re interested in both medical science and law enforcement, you might consider pursuing a career as a forensic science technician. These technicians are responsible for collecting, identifying, classifying and analyzing various types of evidence related to crimes and investigations. For instance, they may test hair, bodily fluids, tissues or fibers, and they may perform tests on weapons.
Forensic science technicians do both lab and fieldwork. In the field, they collect and preserve evidence, record observations and take pictures of crime scenes. In the lab, they conduct tests on collected evidence and collaborate with other forensic science professionals. They may also be required to testify in court when the case goes to trial.
