A PhD in physiology is usually needed for a career in scientific research or medicine. Completion of a bachelor’s degree in physiology is required before beginning any postgraduate studies. You will also need to pass the Graduate Record Examination before enrolling in a doctoral program. In addition, written and oral qualifying exams along with a doctoral dissertation must be completed before you can earn a PhD in physiology. Employment is typically found in the medical, research, or teaching field after completing your formal education.
Before beginning any postgraduate studies, you must first earn a bachelor’s degree in physiology. A four-year degree in physical science or biology may also be acceptable to study for a PhD in physiology. Undergraduate coursework should include subjects such as general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry. Additional courses in physics, calculus, and biology may also be required before enrolling in a doctoral program.
Doctoral candidates must successfully complete the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) prior to enrollment in a university program. This exam is designed to measure your quantitative and verbal reasoning as well as analytical writing and critical thinking skills. In the United States, the GRE is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and exam-preparation materials are freely available to registered applicants. Some graduate schools require completion of the biology exam, while others will accept scores from the non-specific, general version. You will also need to submit letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and your college transcripts to be considered for enrollment.
Earning a PhD in physiology typically requires at least three years of intensive training, study, and research. During the first two years, you will receive instruction in various biological systems and their specific functions. You will also be engaged in different types of laboratory studies to learn about molecular and cellular biology, as well as organ physiology. The overall goal of this advanced training is to learn the important research, critical thinking, and reasoning skills needed to succeed in this career.
After completing the first two years of training, you must take a written and oral qualifying examination to be officially considered for a PhD in physiology. During the oral exam, you will present your proposed dissertation subject to a doctoral committee for approval. The final portion of your training involves conducting laboratory research to support your dissertation. After completing this research, you must publicly defend your dissertation before a doctoral committee to receive your degree.
Employment can be found in a number of fields after earning a PhD in physiology. It might be possible to find work in the some type of research position depending on your particular area of expertise. A career in the medical or nursing field is another possibility. If you enjoy teaching, you may want to seek employment as a professor or lecturer.
