Three possible career options for human genetics majors.
Genetic Counselors
Genetic counselors collect and analyse data about patients' medical and genetic histories. They provide information and help to families and individuals about the occurrence, risk and minimisation of inherited diseases. They may also have job duties in areas such as administration, research, teaching and lab work. Institutions such as hospitals, universities, laboratories, research facilities and government agencies can employ genetic counselors. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), genetic counselors made an annual median salary of $72,090 as of 2015.
Laboratory Geneticists
Laboratory geneticists are specialists in genetics with relation to laboratory medicine and DNA testing. They research genetic material to assist and work for agricultural, pharmaceutical, clinical medicine and law enforcement organisations. Many laboratory geneticists have 4-6 years of post-secondary education, while lab directors may hold either a Ph.D. or an M.D. degree. Payscale.com reports that geneticists made a median salary of $77,611 as of January 2016.
Clinical Geneticists
Clinical geneticists are generally licensed physicians holding M.D. degrees, and may also be involved in the field of medical genetics, which can require certification from the American Board of Medical Genetics (ABMG). They can specialize in areas such as oncology, pediatrics or obstetrics and gynaecology, and work in hospitals, medical centers or other research centers. In addition, clinical geneticists may manage a team of genetic counselors and work together to help identify and minimise the risk factors for certain hereditary diseases.
The BLS reports that job growth for medical scientists is expected to reach 8% between 2014 and 2024, which is about average when compared to other occupations (
www.bls.gov). The BLS notes that medical scientists earned a median annual salary of $82,240 as of May 2015.
Human genetics are studied by a variety of scientists and professionals. Individuals with a background in human genetics may work with patients as a genetic counselor, or in a lab as a geneticist. A master's degree is the minimum education required for some of these professions, though a medical degree is required for many upper level careers in human genetics.
Three possible career options for human genetics majors.