12/06/2016
How to Become a Physiologist: Career Path
Guide
If you want to become a physiologist, you first
need to determine if this career path is a good fit
for you. If the following description sounds like
you, then you’re probably well suited for a career
as a physiologist:
Those who become physiologists must have the
intellectual and emotional fortitude necessary to
complete an advanced degree in physiology. They
must also have communications skills and be
articulate, in order to perform such duties as
communicating their findings and drafting
research grant proposals. Those who become
physiologists must be able to collaborate with
others to accomplish research goals. They also
have the patience and resolve to complete
research properly.
Below we've outlined what you'll need to begin a
career as a physiologist. We've also included
helpful information for this career, such as job
description, job duties, salary expectations, a list
of possible employers and much more!
Physiologist Job Description
Physiologists are responsible for studying the
cellular function in human beings, plants or
animals. Some of the functions that physiologists
might study include reproduction, growth,
nutrition, and respiration. Physiologists may also
study the way organisms react in various
environments, including water and space.
Physiologist Job Duties
• Plan, coordinate and conduct laboratory
experiments
• Record detailed notes during research process
• Write papers for scientific journals, magazines
and other publications
• Prepare grant proposals
• Sit on university research committees and grant
panels
• Liaise with other scientists
• Educate medical, paramedical and science
students about physiology
Education Needed to Become a Physiologist
To get an entry-level job in physiology, you
typically need a Bachelor of Science degree with a
focus in Physiology, Biology, Botany or a closely
related field. Completing coursework in biology,
botany, kinesiology, physiology, anatomy,
mathematics and chemistry is a great way to
build an educational foundation for your
prospective career as a physiologist.
Depending on the requirements of the employer, a
Master’s degree in Biology or Physiology is
typically sufficient for many applied research
positions. To become a physiologist who works in
management, research and university teaching
positions a PhD in Physiology is needed.
Physiologists must also complete continuing
education throughout their careers in order to
keep their skills current stay up to date with
advancements in the field.
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Who Hires Physiologists? Where Do They Work?
There are many employers that are able to utilize
the specialized knowledge, skills and
competencies of physiologists, including:
• Healthcare facilities, such as hospitals and
clinics
• Government agencies
• Non-profit agencies
• Colleges and universities
• Medical schools
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Private research institutions
Physiologist Jobs
Physiologist Job Postings - Canada
Physiologist Job Postings - United States
Physiologist Salary: How Much Do Physiologists
Earn?
The salary level of physiologists can vary based
on factors such as their level of education, their
level of experience, where they work, their area of
specialty, the responsibilities of their job, and
many others.
Physiologist Salary Alberta: According to the
2011 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans
in the Biologists and Related Scientists
occupational group earn an average wage of $
26.73 to $62.00 per hour. The mean wage for
these workers is $39.83 per hour.
Physiologist Salary Canada : According to Service
Canada, workers in the Biologists and Related
Scientists occupational group earn $56,406 per
year.
Physiologist Salary United States: According to
the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the
median annual salary of workers in the
Microbiologists occupational group, which
includes Physiologists, is $65,920 per year. The
lowest 10 percent of salaries for this occupational
group are less than $39,180 , and the top 10
percent are more than $115,720 per year.
