The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center School of Health Sciences has designed a program to prepare the student for a challenging and exciting career as a molecular genetic technologist.

The one-year program is approved by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Page will open in a new browser window.

Program Dates

Beginning: After Labor Day

Ending: Third Friday in August

A Career as a Molecular Genetic Technologist

The specialty of molecular genetics embraces:

• The role of genetics in medicine
• Mendelian genetics
• Multifactorial inheritance
• DNA structure
• Chromosome structure
• Population genetics
• Mutation rates
• Ethnicity of disease
• Genetic mapping

At work in the laboratory molecular genetic technologists apply a comprehensive knowledge of cell cycle, mitosis, meiosis, and pedigree analysis. As professionals they study inherited disease -- through examination of genetic mutations in the hemoglobinopathies, enzymopathies, and various structural proteins -- and they understand the relationship between the molecular defect and its clinical pathology.

Molecular genetic technologists also learn the latest, newest methodologies and topics in genetics, such as:

• DNA microarrays
• Human Genome Project
• Transgenic animals
• Cloning
• Gene therapy
• Forensic medicine
• DNA sequencing

Objectives

Please see the Health Sciences Student Catalog for a review of the objectives of the M. D. Anderson Program in Molecular Genetic Technology. The review concludes with a description of career options.

Salary

According to the salary survey conducted by the Department of Academic Affairs at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, the average starting salary for a staff Molecular Genetic Technologist is $37,000 to $40,000.

Description of the Molecular Genetic Technology Program

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.

Curriculum

The Program includes the following courses:

• Medical Genetics
• Clinical Applications of Molecular Biology
• Molecular Diagnosis of Genetic Disorders
• Molecular Diagnosis of Hematological Malignancies
• Advanced Molecular Diagnostic Techniques
• Molecular Genetics Technology
• Basic Laboratory Techniques
• Fundamentals of Hematology
• Advanced Hematology

• Independent Research Project

• Special Topics
• Laboratory Mathematics
• Management and Education Skills
• Computer Technology
• Genetics
• Molecular Genetics Journal Club

Upon successful completion of our Program you will be awarded a baccalaureate degree and will be eligible to take the national certification exams.

Please see the Health Sciences Student Catalog for more information about the curriculum and course descriptions.

Requirements

Classroom instruction and demonstration of competency precede hands-on activities. Students must complete each course with a minimum grade of 70% to remain in the Program.

Activities

Under the direct supervision of experienced and certified molecular genetic technologists, students will learn to perform procedures using analytical methodology in a clinical molecular laboratory.

Students are trained in various laboratory techniques involving:

• Chemistry
• Nucleic acid extraction and modification
• Electrophoresis
• Southern blotting
• Hybridization
• Amplification
• Sequencing
• Laboratory practice and design
• Business, marketing, and regulatory standards

They focus on the specific applications of molecular techniques within a variety of disciplines such as:

• Cytogenetics
• Hematology
• Immunology
• Infectious diseases
• Forensic science
• Oncology
• Paternity
• Transplantation immunology

As DNA probe methodology is an important part of the curriculum, students become proficient in labeling of DNA with fluorescent dyes and in hybridization of DNA to target DNA on agarose gels and glass microscope slides. Techniques learned include:

• Southern blot analysis
• PCR methodology
• Fluorescent in situ hybridization

Why M. D. Anderson?

In a recent nationwide survey published in U.S. News and World Report, M. D. Anderson was named number one in the nation in cancer care. One of the models for federally designated comprehensive cancer centers, this 514-bed hospital is internationally recognized for its exceptional strength in patient care, research, and educational programs.

The Molecular Genetic Technology Faculty Team

M. D. Anderson's reputation attracts experts in all fields to the institution; therefore, the faculty members possess an unparalleled level of knowledge and technical expertise.

We are proud of our faculty team, which includes world-renowned pioneers in cytogenetics, who along with other faculty members actively participate in the rapidly progressing field of cytogenetics and molecular cytogenetics.

The large faculty enables you to receive instruction that is primarily structured on a one-to-one basis. As faculty members know their students well they are able to provide guidance based upon their understanding of your unique needs.

Administrators

The Program in Molecular Genetic Technology is administered by:

Roster of Faculty

A current roster of Molecular Genetic Technology faculty is published in the Health Sciences Student Catalog.

Admission & Application

Resources

Molecular Genetic Technology

Visit the sites below for more information about a career in molecular genetic technology.

• Bioinformatics.Net - Human genetics and human molecular genetics databases, genetic disorders, information (http://www.bioinformatics.vg/biolinks/bioinformatics/Human%2520Genetics.shtml)
• The Biology Project: Human Biology (http://www.biology.arizona.edu/human_bio/human_bio.html)
• Genomics and Its Impact on Science and Society: The Human Genome Project and Beyond (2003) (http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/publicat/primer/index.shtml)
• Genetics Education Center (http://www.kumc.edu/gec/)
• Genetic Technology Education Programs (http://www.agt-info.org/Training%20Program.htm)
• Molecular Genetics - Genetic Disorders, Manual of Use and Interpretation of Pathology Tests: Third Edition, The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (http://www.rcpa.edu.au/pathman/molecul3.htm)

Houston

Visit the sites below for more information about the Houston area.

• City of Houston (http://www.cityofhouston.gov/)
• Welcome to Houston (http://www.houston-guide.com/)
• About Houston (http://www.uh.edu/houston/)
• Houston Chronicle (http://www.chron.com/)

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