Molecular Genetic Technology
in the School of Health Professions
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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.
Students receive 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
Program Director
Peter Hu, Ph.D.
Associate Program Director
Irene Newsham, Ph.D.
Executive Advisor
Rajyalakshmi Luthra, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Hematopathology
Professor, Department of Translational Molecular Pathology
Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
MD Anderson Cancer Center
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 graduation, students are eligible to take the Board of Certification (BOC) exam offered by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
The program has developed affiliations with reference labs and medical institutions across the United
The specialty of molecular genetics embraces:
Molecular genetic technologists also learn the latest, newest methodologies and topics in genetics, such as:
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.
Year | Graduation Rate | Placement Rate^ | 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 | 100% | 100% | 100% |
2016 | 100% | 95% |
94% |
2017 | 100% | 95% | 100% |
2018 | 100% | 96% | 83% |
2019 | 100% | 96% | 96% |
2020 | 100% | 97% | 93% |
^ Indicates employed or pursued additional education.
* The NAACLS certification exam benchmark standard for accredited programs is three years of consecutive results demonstrating an average of at least a 75% pass rate on the ASCP-BOC examinations, for students within the first year of graduation as calculated from the most recent three-year period. (NAACLS Standard II. B. 1.).
Peter Hu, Ph.D.
713-563-3225
pchu@mdanderson.edu
School of Health Professions
713-745-1205
askSHP@mdanderson.edu