Regenerative Medicine Specialists

High School

In high school, take courses in biology, chemistry, and genetics to obtain hands-on laboratory experience. Regenerative medicine specialists utilize computers and other technology daily, so you should also take computer science, data science and analytics, and artificial intelligence classes to build your knowledge and skills. Other recommended courses include mathematics, health, psychology, English, speech, and writing.

Postsecondary Education

Educational requirements vary by career. Most regenerative medicine scientists have doctoral degrees in molecular biology, cellular biology, developmental biology, biochemistry, biological sciences, genetics, biotechnology, bioinformatics, biomedical science, computational biology, neuroscience, or a related field—although some only have master’s degrees. Some colleges and universities (such as Johns Hopkins University) offer degrees in regenerative and stem cell technologies. Many students also participate in postdoctoral fellowships, assisting scientists with research.

Most regenerative medicine engineers have degrees in one of the aforementioned majors or in biomedical engineering or another engineering specialty.

The American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics accredits postsecondary clinical biochemical genetics and laboratory genetics and genomics programs. Visit https://www.abmgg.org/training-programs for more information.

During their college studies, students often participate in internships and fellowships that help them to obtain hands-on experience in the field. Those who are interested in this career should check into the following experiential learning opportunities:

• GROW RegenMed Internship Program: https://alliancerm.org/grow
• Regenerative Medicine Fellowship: https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/regenerative-medicine-fellowship-under-service-fellowship-program-cber

Scientists who also plan to work as physicians must earn an M.D. or D.O. degree from a medical school, then complete a three- to-five-year residency in a medical specialty, followed by an additional two to three years of specialized training in genetics.

Science or laboratory technicians and technologists typically have a bachelor’s degree in one of the aforementioned majors.

Manufacturing technicians often have associate’s or technical certificates in pharmaceutical manufacturing, biotechnology manufacturing, or related fields.

Some aspiring technicians prepare for the field via apprenticeships. ARMI | BioFabUSA offers a biofabrication registered apprenticeship program. Visit https://www.armiusa.org/biofabusa/education-and-workforce-development/biofabrication-apprenticeship-program for more information.

Certification

Certificate programs in regenerative engineering, regenerative science, bioprinting, CRISPR technology, genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, and related fields are offered by colleges and universities and private, for-profit education companies. Here are a few examples of certificate programs that are offered by postsecondary institutions:

• California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt: Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine
• Carnegie Mellon University: 3D Bioprinting and Biofabrication
• Harvard University: CRISPR: Gene-Editing Applications
• Madison Area Technical College: Stem Cell Technologies
• Northwestern University: Regenerative Engineering

Those who apply to ARMI | BioFabUSA’s biofabrication registered apprenticeship program, but who are not admitted, are allowed to attend the program’s hands-on instruction and classroom sessions free of charge. Those who complete hands-on training and the classes will earn a biofabrication certificate.

Other Education or Training

Many professional associations, colleges and universities, and online learning platforms offer continuing education (CE) classes, webinars, and workshops. Professional associations that offer CE opportunities include the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine, American Academy of Regenerative Medicine, American Society of Regenerative Medicine, American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, American Society of Human Genetics, Biomedical Engineering Society, Biotechnology Institute, and the Genetics Society of America. Organizations at the state and local levels also offer webinars and in-person classes.