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How to be a virologist?
Here are the steps to be a virologist.
- Earn a bachelor’s degree: Virology is rarely available as a bachelor’s degree program. Most of the seeking virologists in chemistry, biology or same subject as undergraduates as a strong background in science are needed. Students can also prepare themselves for graduate degree programs in virology by enrolling in courses such as organic chemistry, biology, microbiology, physics, English, humanities, and social science. Here are a few important points you should take into consideration to be a virologists
Gain experience of working in the lab.
Work in close association with the mentors.
Develop interpersonal and good communication skills.
Take time to research the graduate school before applying.
- Get ready for graduate school entrance exams: You can apply for medical school after earning a bachelor’s degree. Most of the medical school programs last four years. Every medical school needs applicants to take a medical college admission test and then pass it. The admission committee for virology graduate mostly prefer applicants who have taken a subject test in biology, molecular biology.
- Go for doctoral or medical training: If you are doing a Ph.D., then you can enroll yourself in this training, which includes research and studying numerous viruses, their effects, treatments, and all other possible cures. Some of the basic courses like bacteria structure, virology, and eukaryotic genetics can be taken. The second year of this program often involves practical where you have to investigate various samples as a major part of your lab rotations. Then you might have to spend the last few months of the third year and the initial months of fourth-year doing research and writing a dissertation on some topics such as vaccine development, pediatric diseases, and environmental biology.
- Complete your postdoctoral research training: Medical school graduates should complete all residency needs that span three years. Residencies in pediatrics or internal medicine are very common for aspiring virologists. After completing Ph.D. programs or medical residencies, those interested in working in the virology sector are often required to take extra 3 – 5 years of postdoctoral research training, sometimes called fellowship.
