Geneticist

Overview:

Geneticists are doctors who study genes and the mutations/inheritance of traits. There are different focuses that a geneticist can have, from trying to understand how environmental factors cause genetic diseases (environmental geneticists) to meeting with patients to diagnose and treat genetic disorders (clinical geneticist).

Degrees Needed

Requires at least a master's degree for entry-level positions, and some require a Ph.D. or M.D to do independent research projects.

Wages

Starting salary: $45,030 to $60,250 ($22-29/hr)

Average: $83,600 ($40/hr)

Top 10%: $126,390 ($61/hr)

Tasks Completed

• Review and interpret genetic laboratory results

• Perform diagnostic tests by extracting DNA from patients

• Test patients for gene markers ( that can indicate mutations and risks)

• Using math and other statistical tests to evaluate genetic data

• Evaluate, diagnose, and treat genetic diseases

• Design and maintain genetic databases

Science Skills needed

• How to use a wide arrange of software (Analytical software, medical software, etc.)

• Knowledge on bioinformatics to analyze large amounts of data

Career Outlook

Employment in the Genetics field is projected to grow 27 percent from 2018 to 2028 (which is much higher than the national average) due to the ongoing advances in the study of genomics.

Other Resources

• Interview with a geneticist (Youtube)

• https://www.environmentalscience.org/career/geneticist

• https://www.careiergirls.org/career/geneticist/

• http://www.genesinlife.org/testing-services/working-healthcare-professionals/geneticists