Molecular Genetic Technology
in the School of Health Professions
Molecular Genetic Technology
Visit the program on the campus of MD Anderson during one of the program information sessions.
Molecular genetic technologists study the role of genetics in medicine, Mendelian genetics, multifactorial inheritance, DNA structure, chromosome structure, population genetics, mutation rates, ethnicity of disease and genetic mapping in a diagnostic setting.
The program offers two tracks leading to the Bachelor of Science degree.
The Program in Molecular Genetic Technology is a three-semester, highly intensive course of study that integrates classroom lectures, laboratory demonstrations and technical experience to prepare each student for national certification as a molecular genetic technologist.
The application deadline for each year is April 1; however, late applicants may be considered if the class is not filled. The program accepts up to 32 students per class. The program’s academic year is usually the last week in August or the first week in September through the second or third Friday in August of the following year.
The student to faculty ratio for student lab activities is roughly 8:1. With respect to the ratio of clinical laboratory student to faculty, the ratio is 1:1 in clinical and basic research laboratories not only within the institution but also within the Houston Medical Center, in Galveston, and across the United States.
An Overview of Molecular Genetic Technology
Students receives both theoretical and applied knowledge throughout the program
The program covers all 4 areas of diagnostic molecular science (Oncology, Pre/Post natal, Infectious Disease, and Identity Testing)
Students are competency-tested throughout the program
Students receive 12 weeks of clinical preceptorships at one of our many clinical affiliation sites
Students will learn to work independently and in group settings
Instructor to student ratio is ~1:8
Offering the latest hands-on diagnostic molecular science training
Administration
Dean: Shirley Richmond, Ed.D.
Program Director: Peter Hu, Ph.D.
Education Coordinator: Irene Newsham, Ph.D.
Senior Health Professions Educator: Mary Coolbaugh-Murphy, Ph.D.
Senior Health Professions Educator: Vibuhti Srivastava, Ph.D.
Medical Advisor: Raja Luthra, Ph.D.
View the complete roster of SHP educators
Accreditation
The Molecular Genetic Technology program is accredited by and has conformed its curriculum to the standards published and monitored by the:
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS
5600 N. River Rd., Ste 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
Phone 773-714-8880
Fax 773-714-8886
Upon completion of the program, students will qualify for examination and certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP.
Clinical Affiliations
The program has developed affiliations with reference labs and medical institutions across the United States, so that students will develop expertise in a variety of settings and experience the breadth of opportunity available to a certified molecular geneticist. During the clinical phase of instruction, training and supervision are provided in affiliated hospitals and clinical laboratories.
Houston
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
- Diagnostic Molecular Science Laboratory
- DNA Analysis Core Facility
- HLA Laboratory
- (Harris Health System)
- BMGL Chromosomal Microarray Laboratory
- BMGL DNA Diagnostic Laboratory
- BMGL Mitochondrial Diagnostic Laboratory
- John Welsh Cardiovascular Diagnostic Laboratory
- (Harris Health System), Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory
- (Generation Diagnostics)
- , FTDNA/DNATraits - Sequencing, NGS and Microarray Laboratory
- , Clinical Laboratory Medicine
- , Molecular Pathology Laboratory
Texas
- , Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Austin
- , Dallas
- at Galveston, Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory
- , Molecular Pathology Laboratory
United States
- Albert Einstein College of Medicin, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY
- , PA
- Duke University School of Medicine , Durham, NC
- Emory University School of Medicine , Atlanta, GA
- (Mission Health), Asheville, NC
- Greenwood Genetic Center, , Greenwood, SC
- , Harvard University Medical School, Department of Pathology, Boston, MA
- , Oklahoma City, OK
- The Ohio State University Medical Center Department of Pathology, , Columbus, OH
- Penn State Hershey , Hershey, PA
- , Honolulu, HI
- , Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Chantilly, VA
- The University of Chicago, Division of Biological Sciences, , Chicago, IL
- , New Haven, CT
A Career in Molecular Genetic Technology
The specialty of molecular genetics embraces:
- Chromosome structure
- DNA structure
- Ethnicity of disease
- Genetic mapping
- Mendelian genetics
- Multifactorial inheritance
- Mutation rates
- Population genetics
- The role of genetics in medicine
Molecular genetic technologists also learn the latest, newest methodologies and topics in genetics, such as:
- Bioinformatics
- Cloning
- DNA microarrays
- DNA sequencing
- Forensic medicine
- Gene therapy
- Human Genome Project
- NGS
- Transgenic animals
According to the salary survey conducted by Academic Affairs at MD Anderson, the average starting salary for a staff molecular genetic technologist with certification is $47,600. In other locations around Houston, molecular technicians can earn a salary of $45-50,000.
Outcome Measures
| Year | Graduation Rate | Placement^ | Pass Rate* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| 2006 | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| 2007 | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| 2008 | 100% | 100% | 94% |
| 2009 | 100% | 100% | 92% |
| 2010 | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| 2011 | 96% | 100% | 93% |
| 2012 | 100% | 93% | 96% |
| 2013 | 100% | 93% | 100% |
| 2014 | 100% | 100% | 94% |
| 2015 | 96.8% | 100% | 100% |
| 2016 | 100% | 95% |
94% |
^Placement either employed or pursued more education
*Board of Certification First-Time Pass Rate
Peter Hu, Ph.D.
713-563-3225
pchu@mdanderson.org
School of Health Professions
713-745-1205
askSHP@mdanderson.org