How to become a medical scientist
Improve human health through research, testing and analysing information.
What does a medical scientist do?
Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health. They often use clinical trials and other investigative methods to reach their findings.
Duties and tasks
Design and conduct studies that investigate human diseases and ways to prevent and treat them.
Examine, prepare and analyse medical samples and tissue sections to study the effects of microbial infections.
Investigate causes and treatment of toxicity, pathogens, or chronic diseases.
Advise medical practitioners on the interpretation of tests and methods for use in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Standardise drug potency, doses, and methods to allow for mass manufacturing and distribution.
Setting up the steps and rules of laboratory medical testing including contamination and safety procedures.
Preparing scientific papers and reports.
Professional bodies
Related jobs
Biological scientist
Biomedical engineer
Geneticist
Immunologist
Microbiologist
Discover related science degrees
Undergraduate Certificate in Health Sciences
UndergraduateCUR-CHS-CTF
Take your first step towards a career in health—including nursing
Start building your foundational knowledge of human health and healthcare. Explore human bodies. Get to know health practice. For graduates of this online health course, the pathway to health careers and further studies is open wide.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
UndergraduateADU-HEA-DIP
An introduction to health topics and university study
Take this online health course as a first step towards a career in the healthcare sector. You’ll study anatomy, human physiology and biosciences. Gain valuable academic skills. Get a feel for uni and think about careers in nursing, pharmacy, and more.
- Study method
- 100% online
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- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
UndergraduateLAT-HSC-DIP
3, 2, 1… start your career in health sciences
Whether you want to do further study or start work straight away, this diploma is a great entry point. Learn the basics of health sciences, from human structure and function to health data. Earn up to 1 year's course credit for the bachelor's degree.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Available majors
- Digital health stream,
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Graduate Diploma in Workplace Mental Health and Wellbeing
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Insight and skills to support mental health in the workplace
Explore mental health and build counselling skills specifically for the workplace. Consider Indigenous Australian’s holistic perspective. Recognise psychosocial hazards. Help build resilience. Gain confidence to support change and help colleagues in need.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
Discover related science subjects
Leading Clinical Supervision in Health and Human Service Professions
PostgraduateTAS-CAM609
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Clinical Examination and Diagnostics for Advanced Practice
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- 100% online
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- Starts 23 Feb 2026, 6 Jul 2026
Advanced Clinical Reasoning in Practice
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Clinical Management: Supportive Cancer Care
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