Career roadmap
How to Become a Medical Scientist
The education, training, certifications and steps it takes to start working as a medical scientist, plus how long it takes and where the career can lead.
To become a medical scientist: (1) earn a science bachelor’s, (2) earn a Ph.D. or M.D., (3) complete a postdoc, (4) win grants, (5) lead research. Most people need about 5–8 years after a bachelor’s. BLS lists “doctoral or professional degree” as the typical entry-level education.
5 steps to become a medical scientist
Earn a science bachelor’s
Research experience.
Earn a Ph.D. or M.D.
Graduate or medical school.
Complete a postdoc
Training.
Win grants
Funding.
Lead research
Principal investigator.
Education and training requirements
A Ph.D. or M.D. (or both) is typical.
| Typical entry-level education (BLS) | Doctoral or professional degree |
|---|---|
| Related work experience | None |
| On-the-job training | None |
| Typical training time | 5–8 years after a bachelor’s |
Certifications and licenses
- Ph.D. or M.D.: Required for most roles.
- GCP training: Good clinical practice.
- Human subjects training: Required.
- Postdoctoral training: Common.
Skills to build now
Start with research design, lab techniques, and clinical trial design, and practice persistence and leadership. Learning the medical scientist vocabulary early makes training and interviews easier.
Where the career can lead
- Postdoctoral Fellow: Training.
- Research Scientist: Lead projects.
- Principal Investigator: Lead lab.
- Research Director: Lead programs.
Get a head start
Our self-paced Medical Scientist training gives you a realistic, practical overview of the job (duties, terminology, step-by-step tasks, safety and interview prep) so you can decide with confidence and show employers you’re serious.
Common questions about getting started
How long is training?
Often 8 or more years after college.
How long does it take to become a medical scientist?
Most people need about 5–8 years after a bachelor’s of training. A Ph.D. or M.D. (or both) is typical.
Do you need a degree to be a medical scientist?
Yes. BLS lists a doctoral or professional degree as the typical entry-level education.
What certifications are available for medical scientists?
Common credentials include Ph.D. or M.D., GCP training, Human subjects training, and Postdoctoral training. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 19-1042 (Medical scientists, except epidemiologists).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Medical scientists, except epidemiologists (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.