Medical Scientist
OFO No: 213110
Other names for Medical Scientist:
- Biomedical Technologist
- Clinical Biochemist
- Clinical Research Associate
- Cytologist
- Haematologist (Medical Research)
- Histologist
- Immunologist (Medical Research)
- Medical Laboratory Scientist
- Medical Researcher
- Medical Scientific Officer
- Medical Technologist
- Microbiologist (Medical Research)
- Pharmacologist (Clinical Research)
- Public Health Scientist
- Transfusion Scientist
Youtube clip – All about Medical Scientist careers
For training options in South Africa – scroll down
What is a Medical Scientist?
A Medical Scientist works in a laboratory. They perform laboratory tests and experiments to help the diagnosis and prevention of diseases.
Medical Scientists can specialise in various fields.
For example:
Biomedical Technologist
Clinical Biochemist
Clinical Research Associate
Cytologist
- Structure and function of plant and animal cells
Haematologist (Medical Research)
- Diagnosing and studying the diseases of blood and blood-related organs
Histologist
- Microscopic studies of the make up (architecture) of the cells and tissues in a body
Immunologist (Medical Research)
Medical Laboratory Scientist
Medical Researcher
Medical Scientific Officer
Medical Technologist
Microbiologist (Medical Research)
Pharmacologist (Clinical Research)
- The study of drugs / medicines and the effects they have on the body
Public Health Scientist
Transfusion Scientist
What does a Medical Scientist do?
(This will depend on the field of research/studies), but most:
- works in a laboratory
- performs tests and experiments
- cleans and sanitises equipment
- analyses data
- compares data
- uses high tech equipment
- works closely with other teams of specialists and liaises with them
- writes reports
Are you . . . ?
- interested in science?
- interested in performing experiments?
- detail orientated?
- interested in research?
- a good communicator?
- patient?
- observant?
- thorough and systematic?
How do I become a Medical Scientist?
STEP 1
- You will need a relevant NQF Level 8 qualification
STEP 2
You then need to complete a Masters in Medical Science, in …….
University of Cape Town
- Medicine Research
- Biomedical Engineering
University of KZN
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Clinical HIV/AIDS Management
- Medicine
University of Limpopo
- Medical
University of Pretoria
- Medical Immunology
- Human Genetics
- Medical Microbiology
- Human Physiology
- Clinical Epidemiology
- Pharmacology
- Cell Biology
- Medical Virology
University of Stellenbosch
- Pathology
- Clinical Epidemiology
- Reproductive Biology
- Medical Sciences
University of the Free State
- Physiology
- Analytical and Clinical Pharmacology
- Anatomical Pathology
- Genetic Counselling
- Molecular Biology Medical Microbiology and Virology
- Human Genetics
- Medical Physics
- Haematology and Immunology
- Anatomy and Cell Morphology
University of Witwatersrand
- Medicine
- Epidemiology
Walter Sisulu University
- Medicine
TRAINING:
- CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
- Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
- To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.
STEP 3
- Once qualified, you will need to complete a 24 month full time internship to qualify as a Genetic Counsellor or a Medical Physicist or a Medical Biological Scientist at a training facility accredited by HPCSA.
STEP 4
- Designation: Awarded by the HPCSA. Only then can you use the title Professional behind your name.
OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Toxicologist or Pharmacist
Is becoming Medical Scientist the right career choice for me?
