Medical Genetics degree jobs

Medical geneticists diagnose and treat patients with genetic diseases or disorders through radiological and biochemical testing with the goal of improving the quality of life for these patients. There are a variety of types of genetics that individuals can specialize in such as clinical laboratory genetics, cytogenetics, biochemical genetics, and clinical molecular genetics. To prepare for these careers students need to successfully complete a doctoral or medical degree program and two years of residency training. They may also complete a fellowship program and obtain a specialty certification. Another career path in genetics would be to pursue a genetic counseling degree. Genetic counselors provide guidance and support to individuals and families with genetic disorders. These individuals obtain a master's degree and become certified in order to enter this field.

*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Clinical Geneticist Requirements

Clinical geneticists are physicians who provide healthcare to patients with genetic disorders or diseases. They work in a variety of healthcare settings, diagnosing inherited conditions like breast cancer or Alzheimer's disease. They then educate patients about their conditions and prepare treatment plans. Clinical geneticists may also work with patients to anticipate and prevent the onset of hereditary diseases.

Clinical geneticists must graduate from medical school, obtain medical licensure and complete at least a 2-year residency program in internal medicine or another field of medicine. They must also complete at least two years of residency training in clinical genetics and obtain specialty certification from the American Board of Medical Genetics (ABMG).

Clinical Laboratory Geneticist Requirements

Clinical laboratory geneticists work in medical labs, administering diagnostic tests to detect genetic abnormalities. They also interpret test results and relay their findings to physicians. Clinical laboratory geneticists may devise improved ways of testing and develop other medical advancements. These professionals may subspecialize in a facet of the field, such as cytogenetics, biochemical genetics or molecular genetics.