Molecular technologists are needed to match donors and recipients for tissue and organ transplantation, diagnose human disease and inherited disorders, identify missing and displaced persons, identify war and disaster victims, determine parentage, and rule in/out suspects in criminal cases. Individuals with skills in the molecular technologies are also needed in a variety of research and industry settings.
Most positions in molecular genetics are located in research laboratories, often in universities or medical schools, but an increasing number of clinical laboratories are beginning to incorporate molecular techniques into their daily routine.
$74,200
Employment of genetic counselors is projected to grow 29 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Ongoing technological innovations, including improvements in lab tests and developments in genomics, which is the study of the whole genome, are giving counselors opportunities to conduct more types of analyses.
The Molecular Diagnostic Sciences Certificate Program is designed for individuals with bachelor’s degrees in cytogenetics, clinical laboratory sciences (medical technology), or the biological or natural sciences.
Licensure is not required in the state of Connecticut.
Association of Genetic Technologists
219 Timberland Trail Lane
Rocky Top, TNÂ 37769
423-567-4AGT
www.agt-info.org