Biology is everywhere. All living things are made of cells that live, die, and work in perfect harmony to facilitate life. In case you were wondering how to go about getting a certification in biology, I have explained in key detail, all you need to know. Before that, you can still have access to online biology free classes in case you prefer online learning.
What Certifications are in Demand in Biology Majors?
The most common in-demand certifications in biology majors are certifications in spectroscopy, microscopy, quantification (Science), biochemistry, experiment, and molecular biology. These certifications are likely to be mentioned by employers during recruitment.
Why get a Certification in Biology?
A certification in biology would really allow you to take your studies in the direction you want with its flexibility and also an opportunity to explore your own interests. You can take your career into your own hands and steer it in the direction you want. A biology certification can also validate your expert knowledge more comfortably than before. It will also help position you for appropriate recognition, advancement, and a certain sense of confidence and achievement. Above all, by becoming a certified biologist, you point to your commitment to your career development and dedication to a broad field which includes anatomy, nutrition, ecology, and genetics; amongst others.
What Requirements do you need to get a Certification in Biology?
A completed applicationCumulative and Science GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scaleA bachelor’s degreeResume/CVPersonal Statement describing your reasons for wanting to take up the certification.One letter of recommendation.
What type of Certifications are needed for Marine Biology?
There are no certification requirements for marine biology. However, due to the fact that diving is a large part of marine biology, it is mostly recommended that you become open water certified and take a course in scientific diving. Several organizations such as the Scuba Schools International offer the open water certification. When you are done with the open water certification, you would understand the basics of scuba diving, having basic scuba skills, and most probably receive a scuba diver certificate.
What Certifications should I have for a Biology Resume?
There are several certifications that can go a long way in beefing up your biology resume. Some of these certifications are Professional Program Certification in Animal Breeding and Genetics, Certification in Tropical Environmental Sciences, Graduate Certification in Genetics and Genomics, Bacteriology. Issues of Safe Work with PBA III-IV pathogenicity groups, Certified Sterilization Technician, Certification in Equine Studies; amongst others.
How do I become a Certified Biologist?
Complete a Bachelor’s Degree-
This is the very first step you should take if you are veering towards becoming a certified biologist. Certifications in Biology like microbiologist and wildlife biologist require a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions.
Find a Specialty–
In becoming a certified biologist, you should really find a specialty that suits you. Doing this prepares you for focused career paths and builds you towards the certification you would later go for. Many biology degrees let students specialize their skills by pursuing internships, laboratory experience, or work experience.
Complete an Internship–
Biology internships build the practical experience required for being a certified biologist. As an intern, you would often work in laboratory settings as a research assistant, in zoos as a wildlife biology intern, or you could also work in an office while assisting experienced biologists.
Consider a Biology Certification-
Most employers prefer candidates with certification in biology. When considering certifications, you should consider the tuition costs, online options, and concentrations. You should also go for an area of biology which you totally enjoy because odds are, it is what you would be doing for most of your life.
Gain Experience-
After successfully getting your certification as a biologist, you can apply for jobs to gain experience and boost your career as high as you want it.
Get Certified as a Certified Biologist.
What are the Best Certifications to have in Biology?
Below are top Biology certifications you can go for this 2022:
Professional Program Certification in Animal Breeding and GeneticsCertification in Tropical Environmental SciencesGraduate Certification in Genetics and GenomicsBacteriology. Issues of Safe Work with PBA III-IV pathogenicity groupsCertified Sterilization TechnicianCertification in Equine StudiesZoo and Aquarium ScienceHNC Animal ManagementAnimal Management- Level 3GCSE BiologyScience Cambridge Technical Level 2 Extended CertificateLevel 4 HNC Certificate in Applied Sciences (Biology)Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) Degree in BiologyDevelopmental Biology. Artificial InseminationBiological Methods in Forensics
#1. Professional Program Certification in Animal Breeding and Genetics
As a biologist, getting this professional program certification in animal breeding and genetics has a lot to do for you in the long run. The aim of this certification is to help the world meet the growing demand for food by supporting the animal protein value chain with innovative and sustainable genetic solutions. You will be certified with all the skills. And also be able to describe how selection and genomic tools can be used to alleviate the effect of monogenic recessive diseases. In addition, you can now calculate family relationships and inbreeding coefficients in pedigrees and predict very easily, the rate of inbreeding for simple situations. This certification spans over the duration of 3 months, 4-6 hours per week. The cost of the full certification program costs about $268.20.
#2. Certification in Tropical Environmental Sciences
You are on the right path if you are considering getting a certification in tropical environmental sciences. This certification would allow you to understand more about the environment from the local to global scale. You would be able to appreciate the impact humans are having on the environment, how to manage and heal the environment. During the course of certification for bachelor in biology, you would combine practice and theory, be actively involved in scientific research, have access to engaging and inspiring teaching. After this certification in biology, you will have the opportunity to interact with stakeholders and end-users. This biology certification is absolutely worth it.
#3. Graduate Certification in Genetics and Genomics
Getting a certification in genetics and genomics would help you play a really vast role in health and disease. You would specialize in the study of genes and the way that certain traits or conditions are passed down from one generation to another. Certification in both genetics and genomics can mean a lot for you because you can then help health care professionals understand what an individual’s genetic makeup means for their health, ultimately delivering more personalized patient care. If you currently work in health care or you have a desire to show how genetics can be utilized in a health care setting. You should get this certification as a biologist.
#4. Bacteriology. Issues of Safe Work with PBA III-IV pathogenicity groups
This certification gives you all the knowledge and hands-on skill to become a certified bacteriologist and to make a positive, direct impact on medical care. It would provide you with the latest biomedical instrument and molecular techniques to face challenges in finding and understanding the cause of disease. You would however have to be self-sufficient, precise, and thorough in your work. This certification in biology is an online course. This means that no visits to the campus you are studying in. completion of the certification for bachelors in biology would earn you a certificate by the national certifying agency.
#5. Certified Sterilization Technician
This certification in biology opens you up to opportunities that would help you in maintaining cleanliness, functionality, and inventory of healthcare instrumentation and equipment. During this program, you will understand the sterilization of instrumentation and equipment through a series of critical steps. Also, you’ll be certified to ensure that patients avoid infections and that doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals are able to access the instrumentation and equipment they need immediately. And in terms of opportunities, you will have a chance to work in various settings like hospitals, dental or eye care practices, plastic surgery offices, surgery centers, and laboratories.
#6. Certification in Equine Studies
This certification for bachelor’s in biology would embed you with skills required for a variety of careers in the horse industry. Upon the completion of this biology certification, you would be eligible for internship placement at a variety of top equine operations around the world. In terms of career opportunities, you can work as a farm manager, trainer/assistant trainer, barn/shedrow foreman, or room/stable hand. You can also work as an exercise rider/ jockey, veterinary assistant, equine administration, and support services.
#7. Zoo and Aquarium Science
This certification for bachelor in biology provides detailed knowledge about the biology of special groups of animals often kept in captivity.
It also explains the background in the basic concepts and techniques of animal training; practical management skills required for working with people, budgets, and the time at zoos or aquaria.
Moreso, during this course, you’ll get information on policies and regulations that affect the operations of zoos and aquaria; practical, hands-on experience working with animals and with the personnel at a zoo or aquarium.
To meet the requirement for this biology certification, you must have a bachelor’s degree in either biology, zoology, ecology, environmental studies, animal science, or psychology.
#8. HNC Animal Management
This certification for a bachelor’s in biology is a bedrock if you have a real passion for working with animals. It is also well suited for you if you currently work in an industry and would like to further develop these skills. However, the certification combines lectures, group work, practical sessions, and independent research. This does not only give you valuable experience but also skyrockets your chances at really impressive employment opportunities. And during the course, you will be expected to undertake an industrial experience placement one day per week as part of your studies.
#9. Animal Management- Level 3
This certification for bachelors in biology is designed to give you the practical skills and knowledge needed for a huge variety of jobs in animal care and related industries. In this biology certification, you would complete extensive work experience. And also have the opportunity to study a wide range of specialist units in animal science, business, and industry-related subjects. Additionally, you’ll have career options in per store or kennels or cattery manager, as an animal care technician, animal rescue center staff, guide dog trainer, trainee zookeeper.
#10. GCSE Biology
This certification for bachelor’s in biology covers everything from genetics, cell biology, and the immune system through to evolution, reproduction, health, and the environment. Upon the completion of this biology certification, you will have developed your knowledge and understanding of biology, including key theories and principles. However, you can start the certification program once you have enrolled. The only specific deadline to work towards is your exam. Note, exam sittings for this certification in biology are usually held once a year, around the middle of the year. With this, you can complete your biology certification in a way that works best for you, at a time and place of your choosing.
#11. Science Cambridge Technical Level 2 Extended Certificate
This certification in biology has recently been identified as a growth area to be prioritized due to its world-class capabilities. This biology certification aims to help you acquire applied skills through presentations, scientific writing, analysis, and interpretation of results. Upon completion, you may progress to a range of employment opportunities within the life and health sciences sector to include: pharmacy technician, dietetic assistant, cardiology technician, audiology technician, basic level pharmacology staff; amongst others.
#12. Level 4 HNC Certificate in Applied Sciences (Biology)
This biology certification covers a wide range of scientific disciplines including biology, chemistry, physics, maths. After acquiring a biology certification in this program, you would have vast job opportunities to work in fields like forensic science, food technology, analytical science, quality control, environmental science, and even engineering. Note, to go for this certification, you must have an interest in developing an understanding of science and how to solve scientific problems.
#13. Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) Degree in Biology
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Biology is designed to equip you with the intellectual rigor and problem-solving skills required to make informed and responsible decisions. It will also help you to engage in reflective assessment, implement positive change, and pursue learning as a lifetime endeavor. Moreso, the certification would enable you to possess an understanding of diverse cultures, the technological capabilities. Therefore, if you are interested in going into education as a specialist, this biology certification should be just right for you.
#14. Developmental Biology. Artificial Insemination
This certification for a bachelor’s in biology gives you the recognition for the understanding of how interactions among molecules, macromolecules, and macromolecular machines. While taking this biology program, you will learn the basics of cells function including the complex interactions between cells guide. And on completing this biology certification, you will be presented with an official certificate document. You will be able to use the credential on a CV/resume or application for advanced study.
#15. Biological Methods in Forensics
This certification is mostly for those whose career interest is in vastly differing fields such as the natural sciences and criminal justice. Becoming a forensic biologist is an ideal career choice. Due to the wide range of specialty fields within forensic biology, forensic biology professionals have access to several multi-disciplinary career pathways as forensic anthropologists, forensic chemists, forensic toxicologists, and forensic DNA analysts. Getting a biologist certification on this program, you can rest assured that jobs in forensic science are on the rise. Your degree must however be from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university. This depends quite largely on the certification which you have gotten. However, you can have jobs as a research technician, clinical project manager, conservation scientist, pharmaceutical sales representative, biomedical engineer, dentist, environmental scientist, high school teacher, laboratory technician, medical research; amongst others. Yes. More than 75% of biology graduates with certifications are in full-time employment between 6-10 months after earning their certificate. No. Getting work experience in the area of biology you are interested in is crucial, but not really a prerequisite to getting a certification in biology. Certified biologist’s salaries vary, depending on the biology certification. However, they earn between $75,000 to $94,000 per year. To become a certified biologist, depending on the certification you are going for, it would take between 6months to 1 year.
Conclusion
Biologists in every field have a sense of curiosity for the natural world and a desire to understand the complexities of plants and animals. Since this field is essentially the study of life, it makes sense that there are many diverse certifications in biology which pushes way for various career fields as well. Biology certifications would help you, as a biologist to expand in whatever area of biology you have chosen.
References
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