StemCell Therapy

Genetics is a field of scientific study focused on heredity and DNA variation. Genetics professionals need a strong background in biological science to support their work, and most positions in this field require graduate degrees. Learn more about genetics and relevant career options here.

Genes are composed of DNA, the molecule that determines a living thing's unique physical characteristics, such as hair color or immunity to certain diseases. Geneticists are the biological scientists who study genes and how genetic variations affect the body. The job duties of genetics professionals vary by setting. While clinical geneticists and genetics doctors work directly with patients, genetic scientists spend most of their time in research or laboratory settings.

Many careers in this field require doctoral degrees in genetics or closely related fields; however, options are available to those who hold relevant bachelor's or master's degrees. Many geneticists focus their careers on research and laboratory study and typically hold Ph.D.s in genetics, molecular biology or related fields of study.

Geneticists may also serve as clinical geneticists, physicians who provide medical care to patients suffering from hereditary diseases. Clinical geneticists must complete medical school and obtain licensure to practice as physicians. Below is a list of Study.com articles to help you choose the degree program that's right for you.

While online degree programs in genetics are rare, some schools offer correspondence courses that lead to college credit. Students may be able to complete courses or earn degrees in biology and other genetics-related subjects.

While becoming a geneticist is the obvious career path, a variety of other career options are also available for students who do not possess a doctoral degree. Individuals with a master's degree in a related branch of counseling may become genetic counselors, providing therapeutic services to patients who have been diagnosed with hereditary diseases.

With a master's degree in genetics, a student might find employment as a laboratory research assistant. A bachelor's degree related to genetics may also qualify a graduate for a job as a laboratory technician. Here are a few links to articles that may help you discover which career you want to pursue.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for biological scientists were expected to increase 19 percent from 2012-2022, faster than the average for other occupations (www.bls.gov). Advances in research have uncovered new information on genes, and more genetics professionals will be needed to develop medical treatments out of this new information. Although employment rates in this field fluctuate according to government funding and economic climate, the BLS reports that biological scientists, such as geneticists, are less prone to job loss caused by recessions.

Read more

See the original post here:
Genetics - Study.com

This entry was posted on December 26, 2019 at 7:44 am and is filed under Genetics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed. |