To work as a medical scientist, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have a bachelor's degree;
• complete a doctoral degree (PhD) in medical science; and
• complete a degree in medicine (MD) if you want to treat patients.

Education after high school

Most medical scientists have a doctoral degree (PhD) in medical science. In this program you study medical problems and diseases. To treat patients, you must also have a medical degree (MD). You need a doctoral degree to lead research projects or teach at a college or university.

A master's degree in biology may be all you need for jobs in research. Research assistants often have only a bachelor's degree. Most colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in biology. Many also offer advanced degrees in life science or medicine.

Work experience

After completing a doctoral degree, some medical scientists work as postdoctoral fellows (postdocs). These university positions last for several years. Postdocs get experience working with other scientists. This research can lead to a teaching or research job at a university.

Military training

The military does not provide initial training in this field. However, the military may provide work experience to medical scientists who have a master's degree or higher.