Clinical Microbiologist vs. Medical Microbiologist: What Are the Differences?

Microbiology is the study of microorganisms, which are tiny living things that can only be seen through a microscope. Clinical microbiologists and medical microbiologists are two types of professionals who work in this field. Though they share some similarities, there are several key differences between these two job titles.

In this article, we discuss the differences between clinical microbiologists and medical microbiologists, and we provide additional information about careers in microbiology.

What is a Clinical Microbiologist?

Clinical Microbiologists work in hospital laboratories testing patient samples to diagnose infectious diseases. They also work to identify the best course of treatment based on the type of infection. In some cases, they may work with public health officials to track and contain the spread of contagious diseases. Clinical Microbiologists typically have a doctorate in microbiology or a related field. They must be licensed in the state where they work and must complete continuing education credits to maintain their license.

What is a Medical Microbiologist?

Medical Microbiologists are responsible for identifying and studying bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. They work in hospitals, clinics and private laboratories to collect samples, perform tests and analyze results to diagnose infections. Medical Microbiologists also develop new methods of testing and work on creating vaccines or treatments for various diseases. They may specialize in a particular area, such as virology or immunology. Medical Microbiologists typically need a doctorate degree in microbiology or a related field.

Clinical Microbiologist vs. Medical Microbiologist

Here are the main differences between a clinical microbiologist and a medical microbiologist.

Job Duties

Medical and clinical microbiologists share many of the same job duties. They both perform laboratory research, analyze samples and develop treatment plans based on their findings. However, their daily lab work differs because clinical microbiologists focus on patients with active infections and disease and medical microbiologists conduct routine testing and analysis.

Another key difference between the two positions is that clinical microbiologists provide direct patient care. They consult with physicians about infection treatments and advise patients on how to prevent future infections. Medical microbiologists do not provide direct patient care.

Job Requirements

Clinical microbiologists and medical microbiologists typically need a bachelor’s degree in microbiology or a related field. They also must complete a professional doctoral degree, such as a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, to enter the workforce. After completing their undergraduate and graduate degrees, clinical microbiologists and medical microbiologists must obtain licensure from their state’s licensing board. Some states require professionals in these fields to pass an exam, while others only require them to submit an application.

Work Environment

Medical microbiologists typically work in hospitals, medical offices and other healthcare facilities. They may spend most of their time in laboratories or examining patients to determine the cause of an illness. Medical microbiologists often wear protective clothing when working with infectious diseases.

Clinical microbiologists usually work for pharmaceutical companies, where they research new drugs and treatments. These professionals also work in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Clinical microbiologists may travel between different locations to conduct research.

Skills

Both clinical microbiologists and medical microbiologists use similar skills in their jobs, such as critical thinking, problem solving and attention to detail. They also need to have a strong understanding of biology and microbiology concepts. However, there are some differences in the specific skills they use on the job.

Clinical microbiologists typically work in laboratories and use their skills to identify microorganisms that cause disease. They may also develop new diagnostic tests or methods for detecting microorganisms. Medical microbiologists usually work in hospitals or clinics and use their skills to diagnose infections and provide treatment recommendations.

Salary

The average salary for a clinical microbiologist is $76,023 per year, while the average salary for a medical microbiologist is $70,708 per year. Both of these salaries can vary depending on the location of the job, the level of experience and the type of employer.