How to Become a Clinical Molecular Geneticist: Degree & Education Requirements

<h2 id="section---CareerAtAGlance">Career at a Glance</h2> <p>Molecular genetics is the future of the health care system; it is expected that humans will rely more on molecular genetic testing increasingly as time goes on. The table below provides a brief overview of a career as a clinical molecular geneticist. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Degree Required</b> </td><td> M.D. required</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Education field of study</b> </td><td> Medicine</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Certification</b> </td><td> Licensure required, certification voluntary but improves employment prospects</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Training</b> </td><td> Residency in clinical genetics required</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Key Responsibilities</b> </td><td> Examine patients, analyze and interpret genetic results, treat conditions, address questions and results</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Key Skills</b> </td><td> Communication, critical thinking</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Median Salary (2020)</b> </td><td> $208,000 or more (all physicians and surgeons)*</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Job Outlook (2020-2030)</b> </td><td> 3% (all physicians and surgeons)*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatIsAClinicalMolecularGeneticist">What Is a Clinical Molecular Geneticist?</h3> <p>Clinical molecular geneticists are specialized physicians. Molecular genetics is a scientific approach that examines genes at the molecular level to investigate and treat any malfunctions. Clinical molecular geneticists concentrate on treating patients with inherited diseases or diseases caused by genetic abnormalities. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatDoClinicalMolecularGeneticistsDo">What Do Clinical Molecular Geneticists Do?</h3> <p>Clinical molecular geneticists, otherwise known as physician geneticists, study chromosomes, DNA and genes. Clinical geneticists typically work in clinical settings when consulting with patients and in laboratory settings when testing takes place. They examine a patient's history and family history to establish if there is a genetic link underlying a disease. They analyze lab results to interpret the diagnosis and then provide treatment. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatDoYouNeedToStudyToBecomeAClinicalMolecularGeneticist">What Do you Need to Study to Become a Clinical Molecular Geneticist?</h3> <p>Clinical molecular geneticists typically must have attended medical school and obtained an M.D. (Medical Doctor) or D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) degree. Medical schools are very competitive and students are required to carry out the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) to gain admission to medical school. On completion of medical school, it is expected that a residency program in molecular genetics be completed. A fellowship in molecular genetics can be carried out following the end of the residency program. In order to practice, all clinical geneticists must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination or Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination. Physicians can voluntary pursue the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics certification to enhance employment. </p> <h3 id="section---HowMuchDoClinicalMolecularGeneticistsGetPaid">How Much Do Clinical Molecular Geneticists Get Paid?</h3> <p>The BLS reports data that covers most occupations in the USA; however, for this occupation it only provides data on physicians and surgeons in general and not precisely on clinical molecular geneticists. According to the BLS, in 2020 physicians and surgeons earned a median salary of $208,000 or more annually. However, <i>PayScale.com</i> reported that clinical molecular geneticists earned a median salary of $71,040 annually as of 2021. Most physicians work lengthy shifts and overnight shifts. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatIsTheJobDemandForAClinicalMolecularGeneticist">What Is the Job Demand for a Clinical Molecular Geneticist?</h3> <p>The job outlook for physicians and surgeons is expected to rise 3%, with an expected increase of 24,800 jobs, between 2020 and 2030. Currently, the workforce of geneticists is not enough. Genetic testing is predicted to become more popular in the coming years. As more genetic technicians will be in demand to carry out genetic tests, more clinical geneticists are going to be required to interpret the results.</p>