Drug Development, Industrial and Clinical

<h2 id="section---IsIndustrialOrClinicalDrugDevelopmentForMe">Is Industrial or Clinical Drug Development for Me?</h2> <h3 id="section---CareerOverview">Career Overview</h3> <p>Drug development workers research, modify and test new drugs and medical treatments. Medical and <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Biological_Scientist_Your_Career_and_Salary_Questions_Answered.html">biological scientists</a> are usually responsible for the research and development stage in manufacturing a pharmaceutical drug. These scientists are often part of a team if they work for a private drug company. Some drug development projects need <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Biomedical_Engineer_Career_Definition_Job_Outlook_and_Education_Requirements.html">biomedical engineers</a> to design the equipment that will be used to conduct the research. <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Lab_Technician_5_Steps_to_Becoming_a_Certified_Lab_Technician.html">Science technicians</a> usually assist the research scientists with minor laboratory tasks. </p> <h3 id="section---EmploymentAndSalaryInformation">Employment and Salary Information</h3> <p>The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projected that employment of biochemists and biophysicists, was expected to increase by a faster-than-average rate of 19% nationwide from 2012-2022. By comparison, opportunities for medical scientists were projected to grow by an average rate through 2022. As of May 2013, biochemists and biophysicists earned a median annual salary of $84,320, while medical scientists made $79,840. Some of the highest paid medical scientists worked in pharmaceutical manufacturing, according to the BLS (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). </p> <h2 id="section---HowCanIWorkInIndustrialOrClinicalDrugDevelopment">How Can I Work in Industrial or Clinical Drug Development?</h2> <h3 id="section---OverviewOfEducationalOptions">Overview of Educational Options</h3> <p>Scientists and engineers who work in the pharmaceutical industry usually have a master's or doctoral degree in a relevant area of study. Science technicians generally need some postsecondary education. Many companies prefer technicians who have obtained a bachelor's degree. You can begin preparing for a career in drug development by obtaining a bachelor's degree in a related medical field, such as chemistry, biology or <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Bachelors_Degrees_in_Pharmaceutical_Science_Program_FAQs.html">pharmaceutical science</a>. </p> <h3 id="section---GraduatePrograms">Graduate Programs</h3> <p>If you wish to become a drug development scientist, a master's degree in drug discovery and development is a relevant option. Course topics may include clinical drug research, research ethics and medical device development. A doctoral program in <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Graduate_Schools_for_Biomedical_Engineering_Your_Questions_Answered.html">biomedical engineering</a> is a good choice if you wish to become a medical engineer or scientist. Some biomedical doctorate programs offer <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_are_Some_Popular_Concentrations_for_a_Biomedical_Degree.html">concentrations in research</a>. In a doctoral program, you may learn how to model biological systems while studying biomaterials, blood compatibilities and biosensors. </p> <h3 id="section---Licensure">Licensure</h3> <p>Although requirements can vary according to the position, you may need a license to work in clinical and industrial drug development. For example, you'll need a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Are_the_Different_Types_of_Medical_Degrees.html">medical degree</a> and a state-issued license to conduct drug-testing scenarios with actual patients or people.</p>