Physiology is a fascinating field of study that focuses on how the human body works and how its various systems interact to maintain health. Becoming a physiologist is an exciting and rewarding career path. It involves studying the structure and function of the body and being able to draw conclusions about how diseases or injuries affect or develop within it. Physiologists must possess a deep understanding of anatomy and biology, as well as an understanding of the chemical processes that occur within the body. They must also have an understanding of medical ethics and the ethical boundaries of their professional practice. In this blog post, we will provide an overview of the steps you need to take to become a physiologist, including which qualifications you need to have and what career paths you can take. Read on to learn more about how to become a physiologist.
What does a physiologist do?
The duties of a physiologist vary according to their specialty and level of education. All physiologists study how the body works, but depending on the type of job they have, the species they concentrate on and the work they do may differ. However, all physiologists strive to advance their field through research, clinical work, or instruction of physiology to students.
What is a physiologist?
A professional who studies the elements that make a living system function is a physiologist. Physiology is a broad field that includes a variety of jobs that concentrate on various organisms. Some physiologists work directly with patients or students. Others conduct research in labs that could result in improvements in human medicine or environmental protections that protect plants and animals.
How to become a physiologist
There are a few steps to becoming a physiologist, including selection, education, and experience. The steps you can take to become a physiologist are as follows:
1. Choose a specialty
Think about what draws you to physiology before you start the application process. You can choose between studying human, plant, or animal physiology to determine the level of education you should pursue to reach your career goals. You can select a specific area of study or line of work within the field of human or animal physiology if that is what you intend to do.
2. Earn a bachelors degree
Whatever career path you choose, physiology positions call for at least a bachelor’s degree. Although some universities grant degrees in physiology, students can also choose to major in disciplines like biology or chemistry that are closely related. Many people who want to work as exercise physiologists study kinesiology or nutrition.
3. Earn a graduate degree
The majority of physiologists also complete a master’s or doctoral program in their area of study. Even though some jobs, like those in exercise physiology, may only require a bachelor’s degree, having a master’s degree may improve your chances of finding work or moving up in your career. To be eligible for a clinical or research position, other types of physiologists, such as medical or cellular, may need a doctoral degree.
4. Look for a job in the field
You can start your job search once you have completed the education requirements necessary to look for a position in your field of physiology. By looking for entry-level jobs, internships, or short-term research positions, you can collaborate with subject-matter experts and deepen your understanding of the subject. These opportunities can assist you in developing professionally and exploring physiologist positions at higher levels.
Types of physiologists
Here are the five main types of physiologists:
1. Clinical physiologist
A clinical physiologist, also referred to as a medical physiologist, studies how the human body functions under normal and abnormal conditions to ascertain the effects of various factors on health. While some physiologists collaborate with medical professionals to diagnose and treat patients, others work in labs to research how diseases function and create novel treatments. Clinical psychologists can focus on several areas of medicine, including:
2. Animal physiologist
Animal physiologists research how animals behave and function in the wild and in captivity. They might specialize in particular branches of science like biochemistry, zoology, or biophysics. Animal physiologists may conduct research or work as consultants for pharmaceutical companies, educational institutions, or zoos.
3. Plant physiologist
A plant physiologist researches the biological and chemical processes that occur in plants. They investigate the cells and molecules of plants at the molecular level to understand how they interact with one another and their environment. Researchers in plant physiology frequently work with the agricultural sector to enhance pest management and boost food production.
4. Cell physiologist
An expert in cell physiology investigates human biology at the cellular level, including the interactions between cells and how these influence human health, behavior, and disease. They concentrate on atypical cells, like cancer and sickle cells, and look into how they develop. Cell physiologists work to create novel therapies for these conditions and instruct medical professionals on cutting-edge developments and technology in the industry.
5. Exercise physiologist
By creating physical fitness regimens for rehabilitation, an exercise physiologist assists people who are ill or injured. In order to create individualized plans, these medical professionals assess patients’ fitness and stress levels, look over their medical histories, and consult with them about their needs and goals. Exercise physiologists also track the development of patients and modify their exercise plans as necessary to help them maintain or improve their conditions.
Physiologist work environments
Depending on their area of study and the nature of their work, physiologists are employed in a variety of settings. Plant and cellular physiologists work typically in labs or offices as do other researchers. They might also work in academic institutions where they conduct research and train students in physiology courses. Clinical and exercise physiologists typically collaborate with patients in medical facilities like hospitals and rehab facilities. Many animal physiologists work in animal shelters, wildlife research facilities, laboratories, or educational institutions. The majority of physiologists work regular, 40-hour workweeks regardless of where they are employed.
Physiologist skills
The skills that physiologists possess are diverse, and their strengths depend on the duties that they typically perform. However, most physiologists are skilled in the following areas:
How to Become a Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP)
FAQ
What qualification do you need to be a physiologist?
The degrees in physiology, pure or applied physics, engineering, biology, human biology, or sports science (if there is enough scientific content) will be the most frequently accepted for STP positions in the physiological sciences (which include respiratory physiology and sleep science).
How long does it take to become physiologist?
You will need a doctorate (four to seven years of graduate school) in addition to an undergraduate degree (four to five years of college) to work as a clinical psychologist. Most people will spend eight to twelve years in higher education for this specialty.
Is a physiologist also a doctor?
Physiologists are related to medical doctors and possess a variety of skills that doctors lack. However, a physiologist is not a medical doctor and therefore cannot obtain a medical license or work as a medical practitioner in government hospitals.
What do physiologists study?
Physiologists investigate every aspect of how the bodies of humans and other animals function. Some physiologists study how specific proteins behave in individual cells.
