10 Jobs You Can Do with a Degree in Medicine

Author: Michaela Diller

Did you start studying medicine, because your family expected you to do so? Or did you realize at some point during one of your internships, that it just doesn’t feel right to work as a doctor? Maybe you just cannot find a job in the area you live in. Whatever the reason is, there are many other career options with a medical degree. Here is a list of 10 different options:

Forensic Scientist

Forensic Scientists examine traces (fingerprints, hair, fibers of fabrics, etc) that were found at and around a crime scene. The examination helps to prove the innocence or guilt of a suspect in court. Afterwards, they write reports, which are used in court as legal proof. One of the most important skills for this job is to be able to examine biological material and to write thorough analyses.

Medical Sales Representative

As Medical Sales Representatives you sell drugs and medical equipment as well as ensure that health practitioners use those products in the best possible way. It is possible to specialize in one area (e.g. diabetes management) or to provide people with products in a certain area. In this position, you have to have strong communication skills, as you have to present new information and developments. What’s more, you have to educate physicians on how to use these products.

Histology technician

Histology technicians research different diseases in laboratories. Typical instruments are microscopes, cameras, computers, etc. In particular, they assist pathologists by means of examining tissue samples, performing various tests and documenting the results of the tests. For example, skills include studying cancerous tumors, heart diseases, kidney problems, muscle disorders, skin infections and other health problems.

Biomedical Scientist

Biomedical Scientists work in a laboratory and they conduct research into various aspects of human biology. Important skills include conducting molecular studies, testing body fluids and tissues and analyzing data. Some may focus on specific areas, for example infectious diseases, genetic conditions, cancer treatments or cardiovascular disorders. Others may prefer an interdisciplinary approach to investigate a particular topic.

Transplant Coordinator

Transplant Coordinators organize and coordinate activities related to the donation and transplantation of organs.They work together with medical, paramedical and non-medical personnel. Besides that, they can be involved in various stages of the medical process, from meeting with donors and recipients to post-surgical care and follow-up. This job usually combines medical and administrative tasks.

Science Writer

Science writers write about various science related subjects. Usually they use simple language in order to reach wide audiences. For example, they write for magazines and newspapers (e.g. columns). Besides that, some of them write books. Some science writers specialize in one area of science, like medicine or biology, whereas others cover a broad spectrum of topics. They are editing other writers’ work to ensure accuracy and quality control.

Paramedic

A paramedic is responsible for responding to emergency situations involving people, who have injuries or have a severe health situation. Their main skills: providing first aid, giving oxygen, inserting IVs and helping patients by giving emergency drugs. Paramedics appear in ambulances and might have offices in fire stations, police departments or military bases.

Prosthetist/Orthotist

A prosthetist helps people, who are missing limbs, to get back mobility. Orthotists, however, work with patients who have problems when walking. They have to have the ability to create and fit prosthetic devices. Prosthetists assist their clients with activities like walking, climbing stairs, swimming and cycling. The goal of an orthotist is to reduce the pain of their patients and increase the range of foot movement by using orthotic devices.

Higher education lecturer

As lecturer you teach students about a particular subject. Important skills are lecturing and presenting educational material in an interesting way. Furthermore, some lecturers conduct research and publish it in peer-reviewed journals. This helps to raise the reputation of the institution. Higher education lecturers might also work as university lecturers or further education lecturers.

Research scientist

They plan and conduct experiments to gather more scientific information about diseases. Research scientists explore the function of cells and how they interact with other cells. Furthermore, they develop new and improved medicines, treatments and medical devices. They conduct studies on new therapy opportunities (e.g. new tests) and evaluate the effectiveness of current treatments. Last but not least, research scientists test new ways to prevent illnesses.

Job opportunities with a degree in medicine

As you can see, there are many different possibilities to work with a medical degree, even if you do not want to become a doctor. The field of research offers a wide range of interesting positions too. In some jobs you have a lot of contact with patients, in others you focus more on research and spend most of the time in a laboratory. In the end, it depends on your personal preferences.

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Jobs with Medical Science Degree

Other jobs you can do with a Medicine degree