Geneticists try to identify and treat hereditary illnesses by examining the outcomes of genetic laboratory testing. People in this career sector must stay current with the most recent research and advancements in scientific, medical, and genetic research because it is highly technical and constantly changing.
Geneticists are employed by various industries, including government, law enforcement, agriculture, and the medical industry. Genetic counselors, medical geneticists, and laboratory geneticists hold the most prevalent positions for geneticists. Working as a geneticist allows you to treat patients or find new treatments for illnesses, which is one of the most significant advantages.
If you are pursuing a medical career and considering being a geneticist, this article is for you. We have outlined the path to becoming a geneticist, how much they earn, the skills needed to become one, and more…
What is a Geneticist?
A geneticist researches the interactions, evolution, and duplication of genes in people, animals, and plants. They emphasize how qualities are passed down over generations and how they are inherited genetically.
To treat or identify genetic illnesses, geneticists examine the information and findings from genetic laboratory tests. Because they deal in a highly sophisticated and constantly evolving field of science, geneticists must keep up with the most recent discoveries and research.
Although geneticists emphasize clinical applications more, biologists, chemists, and geneticists frequently collaborate since their areas are comparable in many ways.
The two main subgroups of geneticists are laboratory geneticists and genetic counselors. The level of schooling needed to become a geneticist varies depending on the professional route selected, with specific jobs requiring a medical degree. Additionally, some personal qualities are significant.
What are the Duties and Responsibilities of a Geneticist?
In a laboratory setting, geneticists investigate genetic material using DNA scanners, microscopes, and other cutting-edge tools for gene therapy and gene manipulation. They utilize computers with specialized software to examine enormous amounts of data.
Additionally, being a geneticist also requires the following duties and responsibilities:
What are the Requirements to Become a Geneticist?
A four-year degree in genetics, biology, or chemistry is typically required to enter the field of genetics. However, persons with merely a bachelor's degree have very few employment options. The limited employment available is typically for laboratory assistants, and they have little to no opportunity for professional growth.
The curriculum varies from school to school, but students may anticipate taking general education classes like English, history, and arithmetic and courses in botany, biochemistry, zoology, molecular chemistry, genetics, horticulture, and microbiology.
With a master's degree, opportunities for geneticists are more plentiful. A master's degree allows geneticists who desire to work in research to advance beyond their initial research or laboratory assistant position.
A geneticist needs a Ph.D. or a medical degree to advance their career. A doctoral degree is a need for anyone looking to direct research and development projects. A Ph.D. is often sufficient for pure research, but medical geneticists must have graduated from a recognized medical school; they can have either a D.O. or M.D.
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Geneticist?
Many medical institutions in the United States offer geneticist programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. However, much like training for any other medical specialty, being a geneticist is a costly endeavor.
A public medical school is much less expensive than a private one, similar to an undergraduate education. The average cost of public and private medical schools is monitored by the AAMC, even though geneticists’ tuition varies significantly between institutions.
Public in-state students' average tuition was determined to be USD 53,327 per year, while out-of-state students' average tuition was determined to be USD 92,808.
Additionally, according to the AAMC, the average four-year cost of attending medical school in the US was between USD 255,517 and USD 337,584. This may shed some light on why medical school graduates who borrowed money in 2023 had an average debt of USD 207,500.
It should be noted that different medical schools charge different amounts for tuition to become a geneticist. However, the overall cost would remain the same amount stated above. We also advise you to confirm this with the medical school of your choice.
How to Become a Geneticist?
It would help if you pursued a path through college, gathered the necessary experience, and earned advanced degrees to become a geneticist.
The typical process is as follows:
1. Obtain a Bachelor's Degree
A bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or genetics is the prerequisite for entry into the field of genetics. Typical coursework includes science courses like biochemistry, microbiology, horticulture, botany, zoology, and genetics.
You can seek internships or part-time laboratory positions to gain experience while enrolled in your school or after graduation. To obtain relevant experience, try to look particularly for genetic laboratories.
2. Earn a Master's Degree
With a master's in genetics, one can work as a research geneticist. This two-year program includes molecular biology, chromosomes and genomes, DNA technologies, and genetics of various life forms as subject matter. A semester of practical clinical practice in a lab setting is also typically included in programs.
Moreover, a master's degree in genetics can help you become a genetic counselor if working with patients is something you are interested in. Like a geneticist, these specialists assist patients in comprehending their genetic background and managing risks related to inherited disorders.
3. Get your Ph.D., M.D., or D.O.
You require a Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.), a Medical Degree (M.D.), or a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) to be eligible for more advanced job options. To treat patients or oversee research and development programs, you must possess one of these three Ph.D. degrees.
For research roles, a Ph.D. is sufficient; for positions in medical research, an M.D. or D.O. is required for medical geneticist physicians who treat patients. To become a board-certified medical geneticist, one must complete four additional years of residency after graduating from a recognized medical school.
Working as a forensic genetic pathologist for a law enforcement organization is a different career option that necessitates completing a medical degree.4. Decide What Kind of Geneticist You Want to Become
Depending on their position, geneticists require different personality traits. Laboratory geneticists must possess the tenacity and critical thinking to follow logical informational chains and analyze massive volumes of data.
Medical geneticists must possess empathy and compassion to relate to and comfort their patients. Consider your characteristics while deciding whether to concentrate on research or patient care.
5. Obtain a License (Optional)
Depending on your professional path, you may pursue a license or certification in specific fields like clinical genetics or genetic counseling. Suppose you want to work in clinical genetics or genetic counseling. In that case, the licensing requirements differ by state and expertise, so do your homework.
6. Continue to Grow Professionally
Attending conferences, workshops, and seminars will help you stay current on developments in the field of genetics. Join a professional organization to gain access to networking opportunities, resources, and the most recent research. Examples include the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) and the Genetics Society of America (GSA).
Important Qualities Needed to Be a Geneticist
When it comes to treating persons with genetic problems, geneticists are crucial. Some also examine how various diseases and illnesses are caused by environmental variables.
As such, if you want to become a geneticist, you need to have the following qualities:
Analytical Skills
The ability to do precise scientific tests and analyses is a requirement for geneticists.
Interpersonal Skills
In addition to presenting their research findings, geneticists must write, publish, and interact effectively with other team members.
Critical Thinker
Geneticists use sound thinking and judgment to extrapolate inferences from experimental findings.
Cooperative
As members of interdisciplinary research teams, geneticists frequently must cooperate with others to achieve a common objective. Many people have the team leader position, which requires them to inspire and guide other team members.
Math Skills
In their job, geneticists frequently use intricate calculations and equations. They require a solid foundation in mathematics, including statistics and calculus.
Perseverance
Researchers and problem-solvers in genetics must be meticulous in their work. It takes a lot of trial and error to do a scientific study. Thus, biochemists and biophysicists should not give up on their endeavors.
Problem Solver
Geneticists employ research-based experimentation and analysis to address challenging scientific issues.
Time Management Skills
When undertaking research, geneticists frequently have deadlines to meet. They must effectively manage their time and prioritize their duties while producing high-quality work.
Dexterity
Geneticists need to be precise and accurate when conducting tests and scientific analyses. Developing agility is essential because they might operate machinery that calls for exact movements.
How Much Do Geneticists Make?
According to statistics, geneticists usually make USD 177,189 annually. Reports also show that hospitals, doctors' offices, outpatient care facilities, colleges and universities, and laboratories employed the highest percentages of genetic counselors.
However, depending on experience, education, location, and specialty, a geneticist's compensation could approach USD 204,990. Also, the income of a geneticist varies according to factors including degree level, experience level, region, specialty, and job market demand.Additional FAQs – How to Become a Geneticist?
How Long Does It Take to Become a Geneticist?
A Ph.D. may be the best choice for students interested in teaching or conducting in-depth research on genetic counseling. It will take two to four additional years on top of these six if you pursue a Ph.D. to become a geneticist.