Physiologist

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Work Tasks

• Research the cells and organs of plants and animals
• Study growth, reproduction, breathing, circulation, movement, photosynthesis, and other life functions of plants and animals
• Do experiments to find how the environment affects life processes
• May look at a particular body area, function, or system
• Work for drug and chemical companies, food industries, hospitals, universities, the government, and for research and development labs
• Work with microscopes, computers, x-ray equipment, spectroscopes, biochemical and molecular biological apparatus, animals, plants, drugs, and chemical compounds

Salary, Size & Growth

• $58,000 average per year ($28.00 per hour)
• A medium occupation (93,600 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow rapidly (4.0% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A 4-year degree in physiology
• Employers Prefer: A Ph.D. degree
• Skills/Courses: College courses include biology, physics, chemistry, and computer science.
• Certification/Licensing: Certifications are available.