Becoming a Diagnostic Molecular Scientist

Career Plan: a step by step approach…

As a diagnostic molecular scientist, you’ll use cutting edge technologies to find out what’s going on inside a person at the level of the gene, not the level of the organ system. This important career will take at least a four year degree. The following steps are a guideline to get you started.

1. Plan a rigorous high school curriculum with the assistance of your high school counselor. Consider advanced placement courses in chemistry and biology. Make sure you can write a good lab report.

2. Meanwhile, seek out opportunities to confirm your career choice and jump start your career. Start with general career exploration (job shadowing or health care camp). Organizations such as the Area Health Education Center offer free career exploration for high school students.

3. If you are a very strong student, there are other opportunities available to you. You may want to apply for biomedical science internships as you near the end of your high school years. The Human BioMedical Research Institute has a summer program for high school juniors and seniors. If you have your sights set on grad school and research, you can get a taste of the research world several years in advance.

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4. Research schools. Programs for diagnostic molecular scientists are available at the baccalaureate and master’s levels. Look for programs that are accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). You’ll probably want to visit the campus of schools that you are considering.

5. Study hard in prerequisite courses. Your GPA is a part of what will earn you a spot in the professional program.

6. Seek out professional opportunities while completing your degree program. Opportunities include taking summer internships and publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals.

7. Now it’s time to find a position as a diagnostic molecular scientist. Michigan State University reports that jobs for diagnostic molecular scientists are found at a variety of institutions: research and diagnostic labs, health departments, and laboratory consulting services. You will find some positions listed online.

Personality Traits: Diagnostic molecular scientists have precision, patience, and scientific aptitude. They are able to work by themselves, but also to collaborate and communicate findings.