13 jobs with a medical science degree (with salaries)

Foundations and research centres frequently recruit for roles that require a bachelor's degree in medical science. These degrees help you hold administrative positions in healthcare, teach medical science and conduct peer-reviewed research. These are the ideal degrees to have if you're interested in medicine but prefer to remain separate from patient care in most scenarios. In this article, we discuss the sectors that recruit medical science graduates and provide a list of jobs with a medical science degree, including the average salaries for these roles and their primary responsibilities.

Which sectors may recruit you for jobs with a medical science degree?

The fields that might recruit you for jobs with a medical science degree are vast. They include:

• forensics

• healthcare management

• biomedical science

• academia

• clinical science

• pharmaceutical industries

• biotechnology

• research

You may also use your degree to access postgraduate studies in areas such as medicine or dentistry.

Related: What are the main branches of science (With career paths)?

13 jobs for medical science graduates

Medical science graduates may consider the following careers:

1. Forensic scientist

National average salary: £24,074 per year

Primary duties: A forensic scientist examines the traces left behind by suspected criminals to help prove their guilt or innocence in court. These analysts examine a wide variety of items such as body fluids, clothing fibres, fingerprints, tyre tracks and even hair specimens. They then write reports which comprise legal proof in court. Skills required for this role include examining biological material in a lab environment and writing detailed analyses.

Related: 9 forensic science jobs with salaries and job duties

2. Naturopath

National average salary: £27,699 per year

Primary duties: A naturopath treats peoples' health holistically. Naturopath doctors diagnose problems without invasive procedures and often recommend dietary supplements and lifestyle modifications to support wellbeing, address nutrient deficiencies and balance hormonal production. Naturopath skills include the ability to use nutritional therapy, massage, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, reflexology, fasting, exercise, herbal medicine and lifestyle counselling. A naturopath examines patients, keeps detailed records and refers to specialists as needed.

Related: A guide to science degrees: courses, careers and salaries

3. Medical sales representative

National average salary: £29,260 per year

Primary duties: A medical sales representative sells drugs and medical equipment and ensures that health practitioners use these items effectively. Some work in one geographic location or specialise in a certain type of item. Others may cover a single area of treatment, like diabetes management. Medical sales representatives have communication skills that allow them to present information about new developments and trends in medicine and help educate physicians on how to use these tools. They act as liaisons between manufacturers and healthcare providers, helping them understand the benefits of the items they offer.

Related: 13 biomedical science jobs (With salaries and duties)

4. Clinical research associate

National average salary: £31,984 per year

Primary duties: A clinical research associate conducts clinical studies to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of new drug therapies. They also perform preclinical testing of new drugs before they enter human trials. Clinical research associates have keen organisational skills, and they might identify sites where clinical trials take place and help set them up. They may also recruit participants for the trials and collect data about them. After they complete a study, they write reports summarising the results and conclusions.

Related: Types of forensic science (Plus responsibilities and skills)

5. Histology technician

National average salary: £33,693 per year

Primary duties: A histology technician performs research on diseases in laboratories. They use microscopes, cameras, computers and other instruments to assist pathologists by examining tissue samples, performing tests and documenting results. The skills of histology technicians include studying cancerous tumours, heart diseases, kidney problems, muscle disorders, skin infections and other health concerns.

Related: Popular science and research jobs (With salary info)

6. Higher education lecturer

National average salary: £33,935 per year

Primary duties: A higher education lecturer teaches students about a particular subject. These teachers have demonstrable skills in lecturing and presenting educational material. Some professors use multimedia technologies to help explain concepts. A lecturer might also conduct research and have it published in peer-reviewed journals to help raise the reputation of their institution. In job descriptions, a higher education lecturer might also be a university lecturer or a further education lecturer.

7. Biomedical scientist

National average salary: £34,089 per year

Primary duties: A biomedical scientist works in a laboratory to conduct research into various aspects of human biology. Their skills include conducting molecular studies, testing bodily fluids and tissues and analysing data. Some biomedical scientists may focus on specific areas, such as infectious diseases, genetic conditions, cancer treatments or cardiovascular disorders. Others may take an interdisciplinary approach to investigate a particular topic.

Related: 13 different scientist types and careers to consider

8. Research scientist

National average salary: £36,067 per year

Primary duties: A research scientist plans and conducts experiments to improve the amount of scientific information about diseases and conditions. At the molecular and cellular levels, they explore how cells function and interact with each other. This scientist develops new and improved medicines, treatments and medical devices. Medical researchers work in universities, hospitals, pharmaceutical organisations, foundations and government agencies. Their skills include conducting studies on new diagnostic tests and therapies and evaluating the effectiveness of current treatments. Research scientists also test new ways to prevent illnesses.

Related: What does a research scientist do? (With responsibilities)

9. Paramedic

National average salary: £36,427 per year

Primary duties: A paramedic responds to emergency situations involving people who are ill or hurt. Their skills involve providing first aid treatment, administering oxygen, inserting IVs and giving patients emergency drugs. Paramedics work in ambulances and might have offices in fire stations, police departments or military bases.

10. Prosthetist/orthotist

National average salary: £37,165 per year

Primary duties: A prosthetist restores mobility in those who are missing limbs, while orthotists work with patients who have walking problems. These roles are similar and potential prosthetists and orthotists train for their roles at the same time, so a person might work as one or the other or have a dual role. Their skills include creating and fitting prosthetic devices. Prosthetists assist patients with activities like walking, climbing stairs, swimming and cycling. An orthotist's goal is to reduce pain and increase the range of foot movement using orthotic devices.

Related: What does a prosthetist do? (With skills and duties)

11. Science writer

National average salary: £37,262 per year

Primary duties: A science writer writes about various subjects relating to the sciences. They use simple language for wide audiences. Their skills include writing news stories, features, magazine and newspaper columns and books. Some science writers specialise in one area of science, like biology or anatomy, whereas others cover a broad spectrum of topics. When editing, science writers collaborate closely with other writers to ensure accuracy and quality control.

Related: Writing a scientist cover letter (With tips and an example)

12. Clinical research scientist

National average salary: £44,250 per year

Primary duties: Clinical research scientists conduct lab tests to gain greater insight into human health and disease. Their tasks aid in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The primary skills of a medical researcher include conducting analyses of various body fluids and tissue samples, checking abnormal test results and developing new diagnostic tools for future usage.

Related: How to become a clinical scientist

13. Regulatory affairs specialist

National average salary: £44,261 per year

Primary duties: Regulatory affairs specialists connect an organisation and its goods with regulatory authorities. They use their knowledge of scientific, legal and commercial issues to help goods comply with regulations so that they may market them. These experts' fundamental skills centre on their knowledge of national and international regulations and guidelines. They assess scientific information and create explanations for licences and renewal applications. They compose label descriptions and patient information leaflets, prepare and run clinical tests, analyse test outcomes and give strategic guidance to senior management for products.

Salary figures reflect data listed on Indeed Salaries at time of writing. Salaries‌ ‌may‌ ‌‌vary‌‌ ‌depending‌ ‌on‌ ‌the‌ ‌hiring‌ ‌organisation‌ ‌and‌ ‌a‌ ‌candidate's‌ ‌experience,‌ ‌academic‌ background‌ ‌and‌ ‌location.‌