How Do I Become a Biomedical Technologist?

A biomedical technologist typically works in a lab analyzing tissue and fluid samples, preparing experiments, or maintaining and repairing equipment. In most cases, you will need a college degree to become a biomedical technologist. An associate's or bachelor's degree in biomedical technology may prove enough to get started in this field, but you'll probably need a graduate degree for an advanced position. After earning the degree or degrees you want to pursue for this career, you can move forward and apply for a job. You might, for example, look for open positions in various types of health care facilities and biomedical companies.

In most cases, you will need a high school diploma followed by a college degree to become a biomedical technologist. The type of degree you need will typically depend on the employer who hires you and the specifics of your job duties. Often, an associate's degree is the minimum level of education required for someone pursuing this career. To have more job opportunities available to you, however, and possibly the opportunity to earn more money, you may want to earn a bachelor's degree instead.

Undergraduate biomedical technology programs teach students how to perform various types of laboratory tests and experiments. This type of program often includes classes in such subjects as general biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, and statistics. You might also study molecular biology, molecular diagnosis, microbiology, and immune system health. Such a program may also require you to study lab data and medical ethics. An associate's degree program will likely provide introductions to some of these subjects while a bachelor's degree program will typically allow you to study them more in depth.

Earning a graduate degree may afford you the opportunity to land positions with higher pay and more responsibility in this field. You could, for example, choose to enroll in a Master of Biomedical Technology program when you want to become a biomedical technologist. This type of program typically includes study of such subjects as biomedical technology development, biomedical engineering, health care economics, bioimaging, and tissue engineering. Such programs may build on the knowledge gained in an undergraduate program, preparing you to enter the workforce in an advanced position.

Once you have obtained the level of education you need to become a biomedical technologist, you can look for a job in this field. You can apply for available positions with private or public health care organizations. You could also look for positions with science industry companies or those involved in designing, testing, and manufacturing biomedical equipment.