How To Become a Clinical Biochemist: Step-by-Step Guide

Clinical biochemists are responsible for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease through the use of biochemical tests. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics and laboratories. If you are interested in becoming a clinical biochemist, it is important to know the steps involved in this process, including the necessary education and training. In this article, we discuss what clinical biochemists do, the average salary and the steps to take to pursue this career path.

What Does a Clinical Biochemist Do?

Clinical biochemists are responsible for the analysis of body fluids in order to detect and diagnose disease. They work in hospitals and other healthcare settings, such as clinics and laboratories. The duties of a clinical biochemist include:

• Collecting samples of blood, urine, tissue and other bodily fluids from patients
• Conducting tests on samples using specialized equipment
• Interpreting test results and providing diagnoses
• Writing reports on findings
• Consulting with other medical professionals to discuss cases
• Keeping up-to-date on new developments in the field
• Maintaining accurate records
• Supervising junior staff members

Clinical Biochemist Salary and Job Outlook

The average salary for a clinical biochemist is $84,975 per year. However, salaries can vary based on factors such as experience, education, and geographical location.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that job prospects for clinical biochemists will grow at an average rate over the next decade. This growth is attributed to the increasing demand for diagnostic testing services. Clinical biochemists play an important role in these services by conducting laboratory tests and providing accurate results.

How to Become a Clinical Biochemist

Here are several steps you should take to become a clinical biochemist.

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, chemistry or a related field

A clinical biochemist needs a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, chemistry or a related field. Some schools offer a clinical biochemistry major. If your school doesn’t have this program, you can major in biochemistry and take courses in biology, anatomy and physiology to prepare for graduate-level studies.

During your undergraduate years, it is important to take general education courses as well. These will help you develop critical thinking skills and learn how to apply them to problem solving. You should also consider taking laboratory courses that teach you how to use equipment and perform tests.

2. Complete a professional doctoral degree in clinical biochemistry

To become a clinical biochemist, you need to earn a Doctor of Clinical Biochemistry degree. These programs are typically three years long and focus on both classroom learning and laboratory work. Students study topics such as molecular biology, analytical chemistry, immunology, hematology and medical ethics.

Some schools offer a combined D.C.B./M.D. program that allows students to earn both degrees in six years. This is an accelerated program that focuses more on medicine than biochemistry.

3. Obtain certification through the American Board of Clinical Chemistry

The American Board of Clinical Chemistry (ABBC) is the primary certification body for clinical biochemists. To obtain ABBC certification, candidates must complete a minimum of 1500 hours of practical experience in a laboratory setting and pass an exam that covers topics such as blood analysis, urinalysis, microbiology and hematology.

The ABBC also offers specialty certifications in areas such as forensic toxicology, medical genetics and molecular diagnostics. These certifications require additional training and testing.

4. Gain experience working in a clinical laboratory

Most clinical biochemists gain experience working in a laboratory setting before entering the field. This allows them to develop skills and build a network of contacts that can help them find employment after graduation. Internships or volunteer work at hospitals, medical centers or research labs are all good ways for students to get hands-on experience in a lab environment.

It’s also important for aspiring clinical biochemists to gain experience using the type of equipment they’ll be working with in their careers. For example, those who plan to work in a hospital should spend time learning how to use an automated chemistry analyzer.

5. Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills

Clinical biochemists must be able to interact with patients and other medical professionals. They should also have strong verbal and written communication skills so they can clearly explain test results and procedures to patients and doctors. Biochemists who work in research or academia may need to publish articles or present their findings at conferences, which requires strong writing and public speaking abilities.

6. Stay up to date on changes in technology and new developments in the field

Technology is constantly improving, which means clinical biochemists must stay up to date on the latest developments. For example, advances in mass spectrometry have made it possible for clinical biochemists to analyze a wider range of molecules than before.

Clinical biochemists also need to be aware of new developments in medicine and how they might affect laboratory testing. For example, as more people receive organ transplants, there’s an increasing need for tests that can detect antibodies that could lead to transplant rejection.

7. Join professional organizations such as the American Association for Clinical Chemistry

The American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) is a professional organization that provides training and certification opportunities, networking and career development support to clinical biochemists. The AACC offers members access to continuing education courses, journals and other resources that help them stay up to date on developments in the field.

Joining the AACC also allows you to apply for jobs through its online job board or receive assistance finding employment from an employment center operated by the association.