Geneticists
Special Requirements
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Typical Route into Genetics (Basic Research):
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This route usually requires the following steps:
· Completing a high school education, usually including biology, mathematics, physics and chemistry.
· Completing a bachelor’s degree, usually majoring in biology or genetics.
· Completing a PhD in genetics.
· During the first and possibly second year of Ph.D. training, students take advanced courses in genetics and begin a research project.
· For the remaining two to four years of training students carry out original research under the direction of a faculty member.
· After obtaining the Ph.D. degree, most graduates do research as postdoctoral fellows for two to four years, during which time they are supported by fellowships or research training stipends.
Individuals would then be qualified to assume faculty positions at academic institutions or join the staffs of research institutes or biotechnology firms.
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Medical Route into Genetics (Clinical Geneticist):
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Clinical geneticists usually achieve an MD, and some other geneticists also take this route. This includes:
· As with the other route, completing a high school education, usually including biology, mathematics, physics and chemistry.
· Completing a bachelor’s degree. A biology or genetics major is not essential, but it is probably useful!
· Completing medical school and achieving an MD.
· Completing a residency in pediatrics, internal medicine or obstetrics and gynecology.
· Completing a genetics fellowship
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Laboratory Geneticists:
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Application of modern genetic technology to agriculture, legal or police work, pharmaceutical development, and clinical medicine requires the services of sophisticated laboratories. These laboratories are staffed by scientists trained in molecular biology, cytogenetics, biochemical genetics, immunogenetics, and related disciplines.
· Genetic laboratory directors usually hold Ph.D. degrees or M.D. degrees with specialization in laboratory medicine.
· Most genetic laboratory technologists have four to six years of university education.
· Some genetic laboratories require their staff to have specific training and certification in cytogenetic or medical technology. Other genetic laboratories hire people with any relevant B.S. or M.S. degree as long as they can show an aptitude for the kind of work that is being done.
The career of a laboratory geneticist offers the opportunity to apply genetics "hands on" to a variety of important problems.
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The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet291)
