Virologists are scientists who study the structure, evolution, and behavior of viruses. Although some virologists are licensed medical doctors, the majority of professionals have doctorates in the subject or a closely related field such as microbiology. A virologist can expect to spend at least eight years in undergraduate and graduate school, followed several years of residency or fellowship training. A virologist can work in a clinical hospital lab, a private research institution, a university, or a government agency, depending on his or her research interests.
For someone who wants to be a virologist, a four-year bachelor’s degree program in biology or chemistry can be very beneficial. Microbiology, physics, organic chemistry, and environmental science are just a few of the topics covered in lecture and laboratory courses available to undergraduates. A student can start thinking about whether he or she wants to conduct academic research or provide medical services in the second or third year of a program, and look into post-graduate programs accordingly.
A person interested in virology’s applications to human health must typically pass a medical college admissions test and enroll in an accredited four-year school. Many medical schools offer degree programs that focus on disease pathology laboratory analysis rather than direct patient care. A person interested in working as a virologist at a university or research institute can pursue a Ph.D. in virology, microbiology, bacteriology, or a related field.
Students in medical school and Ph.D. programs spend the majority of their time in university labs, conducting independent research and assisting professors on larger projects. A future virologist has the opportunity to become familiar with a variety of lab equipment, supplies, and procedures. An individual’s chances of finding a paying job after graduation can be greatly improved mastering research skills and making progress on meaningful studies.
After college, a person who wants to work as a virologist in a medical lab usually enrolls in a two- to three-year residency program. In the same way, postdoctoral fellowship programs at universities or private labs are common for new research virologists. A new scientist typically assists experienced researchers as a resident or fellow and begins to establish a strong reputation in the field. He or she is usually given the freedom to design and conduct independent projects after gaining experience.