Molecular genetic technologists can specialize in cardiovascular medicine, cytogenetics, hepatitis, HIV, immunology, and many more areas.
They can also work in administrative, teaching, quality control, and technical specialist positions. Hospitals, research universities, private labs, and private companies hire molecular genetic technologists to study genes in their labs. This role may involve exposure to hazardous chemicals, as well as long hours working on your feet. Because some labs operate hours, molecular genetics technologists may be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Individuals interested in molecular genetics should take advantage of science courses in high school to prepare for their future career. Experience working in a health care or laboratory environment may benefit future molecular genetic technologists as well. Depending on the state you work in, certification or licensure may be required to work as a molecular genetics technologist after completing a degree program. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , employment of medical and clinical lab technologists, which include molecular genetics technologists, is projected to increase faster than average.
The genetics field is expected to grow for many years and the emphasis on personalized medicine will increase the demand for technologists who can perform complex genetic testing. Advancement opportunities may be available with additional education, work experience, or certification.
This often includes specializing in a particular area that the technologist has experience with such as cardiovascular medicine, cytogenetics, hepatitis, HIV, or immunology, as well as many other areas. Mayo Clinic offers an eight-week Molecular Genetics Technology Internship in Rochester, Minnesota to prepare students for a career as a molecular genetics technologist.
In some laboratories, they assist with genetic research that helps geneticists develop new therapies and interventions to treat genetic disorders. Others work in clinical laboratories where they collect DNA samples from patients to determine the cause of a medical condition, the genetic risk of developing a condition or whether an unborn baby is likely to have a genetic disorder like Down syndrome. Some typical responsibilities of genetic technologists include:. Related: What Is Genetic Counseling?
Here are some steps you can follow to become a genetic technologist:. For high school students interested in a career as a genetic technologist, there are some steps you can take to prepare early.
For example, taking classes related to the natural sciences and mathematics can prepare you for college-level courses in these subjects. Taking biology, chemistry and physics can help you learn science fundamentals that can help you in your college classes. Additionally, studying English can help you gain the writing and communication skills needed to excel in this career. In addition to your schoolwork, consider finding volunteer opportunities to gain relevant work skills.
Some employers may hire genetic technologists with a high school or equivalent degree if they have some relevant lab work experience. Therefore, looking for opportunities to participate in health care settings or professional laboratories can help you gain skills for this profession.
Having work or volunteer experience can also be helpful to include on your college application if you plan to go to college. Although some employers don't require genetic technologists to have a college degree, many do.
Having a bachelor's degree can help distinguish your job application from others, and it can provide you with specific skills and knowledge that can benefit your career. Genetic technologists may choose to earn a bachelor's degree in the life sciences, such as genetics, biology or chemistry, to learn more about biological processes and medical research. It takes four years of full-time study on average to each a bachelor's degree. In addition to completing your undergraduate coursework, it can be a good idea to pursue relevant work or volunteer experience while completing your studies.
Taking an internship, working as a research assistant or volunteering at a medical facility can all be great ways to gain experience. These opportunities can help you learn skills related to your career while allowing you to network with those already working in the industry. With 16 Jobs. Depending on what area of specialty you wish to work in, you may need to earn additional certifications. For example, if you plan to work as a cytogenetic technologist or molecular genetics technologist, these two areas of specialty require more extensive education.
To become a cytogenetic or molecular genetics technologist, candidates need to earn a bachelor's degree and then complete a certificate program.
These certificate programs take one to two years on average to complete. Although these roles require more education than a general genetic technologist, these professionals enjoy a wider scope of responsibilities and have more independence because of their level of qualification. For those looking to work in a role that requires a more specialized skill set, pursuing one of these specialties can be a good fit. For example, cytogenetic technologists may use more specialized techniques for DNA sequencing and may have the credentials to interpret test results without the supervision of a senior researcher.
Those looking to advance their careers may need to pursue graduate education. For example, genetic technologists looking to move into senior positions as laboratory managers or genetic counselors often need a master's degree or higher.
A master's degree can provide you with more specialized professional skills in management or research so you can qualify for high-level laboratory positions. Most master's programs take two years on average to complete, and many have options for those looking to continue their education while working full time.
Joining a professional organization can also provide opportunities for career advancement. Two professional organizations in genetics include the Association of Genetic Technologists and the American Society of Human Genetics. Becoming a member of a professional organization can provide you with networking and professional development opportunities, such as access to educational materials, professional events and special trainings.
Genetic technologists use both hard and soft skills to perform their roles. Program Director Peter Hu, Ph. Executive Advisor Rajyalakshmi Luthra , Ph. The Molecular Genetic Technology program is accredited by and has conformed its curriculum to the standards published and monitored by the:.
River Rd. The program has developed affiliations with reference labs and medical institutions across the United States, so that students will develop expertise in a variety of settings and experience the breadth of opportunity available to a certified molecular geneticist.
During the clinical phase of instruction, training and supervision are provided in affiliated hospitals and clinical laboratories. The purpose of this policy is to outline the process by which a student enrolled in the Molecular Genetic Technology Program is informed and affected by a laboratory internship rotation cancellation.
Students at the MD Anderson School of Health Professions Program in Molecular Genetic Technology are required to perform regular service work in molecular genetic technology laboratories as a part of their internship education. This allows students to become competent with molecular genetic technology techniques and prepares them to enter the workforce with the necessary entry-level competencies to function in any routine molecular genetic technology laboratory. All laboratory service work performed by students will be monitored by the assigned preceptor in each laboratory.
Note: If the student must be left alone in any laboratory area for an extended period, please notify the Program Director to ensure proper supervision of the student. Molecular genetic technologists also learn the latest, newest methodologies and topics in genetics, such as:. Peter Hu, Ph. My Chart. Donate Today. For Physicians.
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