LABORATORY SCIENCES
Molecular Diagnostic Technologist
To be a successful Molecular Diagnostic Technologist you should...
show accuracy and attention to detail; be a problem solver; be reliable, work well under pressure, and able to finsih a task; like challenge and responsibility; be able to work indpendently with little supervision.
What will my job be like?
Molecular genetic technologists study DNA to identify or diagnose diseases and inherited disorders; match tissues for organ transplantation; identify missing or displaced persons in war, disaster or crime victims; determine parentage; and rule in or out suspects in criminal cases.
Where could I work?
Molecular genetic technologists are employed in research and clinical laboratories in colleges and universities, medical schools, commercial laboratories, and private industry.
Average Annual Salary
$60,780 per year
What is the future of this career?
Employment of clinical laboratory technologists and technicians is projected to grow 5 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 24,200 openings for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Type of Education/Training
Education for molecular genetic technologist requires a four-year degree in either cytogenetics, cytotechnology, medical technology, or the biological or natural sciences, plus 6 – 14 months (depending on educational background) for a certificate program in molecular diagnostic sciences.
Where could I get the education/training?
- Post University
- Quinnipiac University
- University of Connecticut
- University of Saint Joseph
- Wesleyan University
- Yale University
Licensing/Certification
Licensure is not required in the state of Connecticut. Prerequisite: Some employers may require completion of national certification in Molecular Biology.
More Information
Association for Molecular Pathology
2120 Executive Boulevard, Suite 700
Rockville, MD 20852
(301) 634-7987
