Biology, chemistry, the lab mindset, and how to get into research.

Foundations for Life Science & Biotech Careers

Life science has routes at every level:

- **Technician roles** (like biological or lab technicians) are often reachable with a **two-year associate degree** plus hands-on training — a great way in.
- **Research roles** (biochemist, medical scientist) usually need a four-year degree and often a **graduate degree**.
- **Clinical and regulated roles** (like medical laboratory work) require specific degrees and **certifications**, because patient health depends on them.

Match the route to the target job: check the real requirements before committing years.

From two-year technician paths to research degrees — and where rules apply.

Degrees, certifications, and regulated roles

Your evidence in life science is your **documented lab work**:

- A clean **lab notebook** and written **protocols** (step-by-step procedures).
- **Research assistantships and internships** — even volunteering in a lab counts.
- **Posters or short reports** summarizing what you investigated and found.

**Try it:** write a simple protocol for an everyday "experiment" (for example, which paper towel brand absorbs the most water). List your materials, your steps, your measurements, and how you'd keep the test fair.

Evidence: lab notebooks, protocols, and internships

Degrees, certifications, regulated roles, and evidence.