Mass spectrometry education and training is an individualized process these days. There are online tutorials, two-day seminars, onsite and offsite workshops, college and university classes. The student needs to look at the equation and ask, “Is it a chemistry, biomedical or other degree that is important and necessary for my career path?” or, “Do I simply need a rigorous program that will get me in the lab quickly?”

You can find good non-accredited education online and at training centers. Research schools and courses the same way parents and high school students look for the right college or university to attend. Understand that there are plenty of con artists out there, on the web especially, offering less than sterling courses too. Buyer beware. Consider the following when looking for mass spec training:

1. Find established schools and training programs for mass spectrometry training.

2. Take a training course or online class for mass spectrometry.

3. Use the many resources, information pages and forums for mass spec.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use established training centers and schools for mass spectrometry courses

Take classes at a brick and mortar school or training facility center where you can do hands on work in a lab and see a big screen with a live instructor.

I recommend: Applied Biosystems offers classes at their facility. With a combination of laboratory and classroom work activities include instrument software and hardware. Courses include printed manuals, lunch and refreshments. Take a mass spectrometry class in the Chemistry, Chemical Biology and Biomedical Engineering Department at Charles V. Schaefer Jr. School of Engineering and Science in Hoboken, New Jersey.

Take rigorous mass spectrometry training class at the site of your own business or online

Professional instructors will travel to your place of business for training sessions. Online programs can deliver the training you need as well. Look for testimonials and professional looking websites. There are as many or more low standard programs and even scams online, as well. Find the great programs by researching, asking questions and scrutinizing.

I recommend: M-Scan training experts travel to clients for mass spec classes. They teach and investigate the many areas of mass spectrometry including biochemistry, chemistry, pharmacology, environmental and forensic analysis. Find links to free online classes at MeasurementMedia.com.

Find online mass spectrometry training, tutorials and interest groups

Tutorials and instructional websites about mass spectrometry are abundant on the web.

I recommend: The chemistry department at the University of Arizona offers a helpful tutorial on mass spectrometry. A NIC group in Frederick, Maryland sponsors a Mass Spectrometry Interest Group. Participants meet once a month and discuss current literature, applications, techniques and continuing education about mass spectrometry. ASMS gives you educational resources for mass spectrometry. Scripps has a free online tutorial on mass spectrometry as well.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When it comes to online programs, formulate clear goals and needs before choosing mass spec courses. If you want accredited, check for accreditation. Maybe you just need a rigorous program to get you up to speed quick. Beware of mass spectrometry classes that promise more than they can deliver or that are too expensive. Look at testimonials and teacher credentials and backgrounds to find good courses that meet your needs.