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Clinical Microbiology Degree Programs
Clinical Microbiology Degree Programs
In a clinical microbiology program, you'll spend time studying the bacteria, viruses and fungi that infect people and animals. Find out about what you will learn and what types of programs are available in this field.
What Is Covered in a Clinical Microbiology Degree Program?
In a microbiology program, you'll study the three main types of microorganisms, including fungi, bacteria and viruses. Different focuses within a microbiology program include immunology, microbial genetics and pathogenic microbiology. Clinical microbiology is more specific, and involves looking into how bacteria, viruses and fungi affect animals and humans on a medical level. You'll research the nature and the cures for these illnesses and diseases.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Program Focuses</b></td><td>Immunology, microbial genetics, pathogenic microbiology</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Program Levels</b></td><td>Bachelor's, master's, doctoral, post-graduate fellowship</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Potential Coursework</b></td><td> Cell biology, bioinformatics, immunology, virology, molecular genetics</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)*</b></td><td> $84,400 (for microbiologists)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)*</b></td><td> 3% (for microbiologists)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
</i></p><h3 id="section---WhatClinicalMicrobiologyProgramsAreAvailable">What Clinical Microbiology Programs Are Available?</h3><p>While bachelor's degrees and master's degrees in clinical microbiology are available, they are rare. Bachelor's and master's degree programs tend to offer either microbiology or medical laboratory science majors. Clinical microbiology can be covered within either of these programs, usually over several classes. PhD programs in microbiology may allow for a focus in clinical microbiology.
</p><p>The most typical way of studying clinical microbiology is through a post-graduate fellowship. Some fellowship programs require you to have earned your Ph.D., while others require only a master's degree. Because of the heavy reliance on laboratory work and research, online programs in clinical microbiology do not exist.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatWillILearn">What Will I Learn?</h3><p>The master's degree program in clinical microbiology covers subjects in biology, cell biology, bioinformatics, immunology, virology and molecular genetics. You can also expect to spend plenty of time in lab rotations studying food and water-borne diseases, STDs and respiratory illnesses. You'll also intern with a local hospital or public health laboratory, where you'll complete rounds with infectious disease patients and learn to recognize virological, parasitological and mycological conditions. You'll also research biotechnology, transfusions, cytopathology and medical ethics.
</p><p>A fellowship in clinical microbiology offers extensive hands-on training with patients and laboratory work. Through lectures and rotations, you'll learn about infectious diseases. You'll also focus on how to properly collect specimens, cultivate microorganisms and detect the presence of microorganisms. Once you have completed this one- or two-year fellowship, you can sit for the certification examination offered by the American Board of Medical Microbiology. You must have a doctorate to sit for this exam, but earning your certification allows you to work as a public health administrator or the head of a clinical laboratory.</p>
