Diagnostic Molecular Scientist

A part of the allied health professionals family, diagnostic molecular science involves laboratory testing on RNA and DNA. These tests are mainly used for diagnosing and monitoring hereditary conditions such as leukemia and infectious diseases.

A diagnostic molecular scientist has three areas of responsibility: performing diagnostic testing, designing and processing RNA and DNA isolation tests, and researching infectious diseases.

Diagnostic molecular scientists primarily work in laboratories, studying various human samples including fetal cells, hair follicles, and blood and bone. Their duties include sequencing DNA, preparing samples, reporting findings, and analyzing data. They use computerized equipment as well as manual processes for analyzing substances at the molecular level. The complexity of the process and the type of equipment required depends on what the scientist is looking for and the material being tested.

These professionals perform tests such as gene expression profiles, allele-specific PCR, and CGH microarrays as specialized molecular scientists. These may be used to identify genetic disorders and discover people who are at risk of developing cancer, and other serious conditions such as Alzheimer’s. Diagnostic molecular scientists also play a role in treating infections.

The following guide provides an overview of what it takes to become a molecular scientist.

There are several specializations in diagnostic molecular science that these professionals can pursue, depending on their unique career ambitions. These include:

• Infectious disease
• Coagulation
• Disease risk management
• Oncology
• Leukocyte testing
• Pharmacogenomics
• Clinical chemistry

Diagnostic molecular scientists generally have at least a bachelor’s degree in subjects such as molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, medical technology, biology, chemistry, or related fields. Some have master’s degrees, and yet others go on to complete PhDs.

Admissions requirements for a bachelor’s degree in this discipline include a high school diploma, an acceptable ACT or SAT score (for some colleges), a high school grade point average of at least 2.5, an official copy of a high school transcript or GED, official transcripts from each college or university previously attended, and proof of English proficiency for international students.

To earn a master’s degree in molecular science, a bachelor’s degree in a basic or medical science (e.g., biology, chemistry, microbiology) from a regionally accredited institution is required along with a grade point average of 3.0 or better, as well as the submission of a statement of purpose, a completed application, a current resume, letters of recommendation, and official transcripts from every college and university attended.

Applicants who are not U.S. citizens must also submit official test scores for TOEFL or PTE.

Accreditation assures that an institution has met minimum quality requirements. It is beneficial for students to know if a program is accredited and by what entity, as it can help them decide where to pursue their studies in molecular science. Further, employers can use accreditation to screen candidates, as accredited universities can be counted on to provide students with the necessary training. Finally, graduates from accredited universities are also eligible to sit for certification exams.

The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS) is one of the major international agencies responsible for accrediting education programs in molecular science and related professions. Their accreditation process has been recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

The NAACLS provides accreditation to educational programs in the US and globally at various levels including associate, pre-bachelor’s, bachelor’s, post-master’s, and master’s. Some of the professional disciplines accredited by this organization include:

• Medical laboratory scientist
• Medical laboratory technician
• Histotechnologist
• Histotechnician
• Pathologist assistant
• Diagnostic molecular scientist
• Cytogenetic technologist

University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota offers a bachelor of science (BS) in microbiology program. This is an on-campus degree, with most classes being taught face-to-face. The program will provide students with the building blocks for the treatment of infections and other diseases.

Admission requirements for the program include a high school diploma, a minimum grade point average of 2.0, and proof of English proficiency for international students.

The program comprises 120 credits. Some of the courses include biotechnology and bioengineering for biochemists; microbial genomics and bioinformatics; immunology; molecular and genetic bases for microbial diseases; biology, genetics, the pathogenesis of viruses; and microbial physiology and diversity.

Students in the program are prepared to apply to graduate programs in microbiology and similar fields and build a strong foundation for careers in the health sciences. They learn about the role of microbes, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Graduates work in professional roles in governmental, industrial, and pharmaceutical fields.

• Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Expected Time to Completion: 48 months
• Estimated Tuition: Resident ($557.55 per credit); non-resident ($1,323.50 per credit)

Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University offers a master of science (MS) in molecular biosciences. The program provides students with training and research opportunities that integrate cellular, molecular, developmental, and genomic information and knowledge.

Applicants to the program must have a BS degree in basic or applied science with a minimum grade point average of 3.0, complete an online application for admission, and submit official transcripts and GRE scores.

​Made up of 30 to 36​ credits, courses in the program include specialized biochemistry; molecular genetics and genomics; techniques in molecular biosciences; topics in molecular biosciences; and advanced cell biology.

The program prepares students to pursue scientific research or technology-driven careers in multiple fields ranging from agriculture to medicine, forensics to environmental sciences, and food science to renewable energy. It encompasses the areas of cell biology, biotechnology, computational biology, food safety, immunology, neurobiology, and structural biology.

• Location: Jonesboro, Arkansas
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
• Estimated Tuition: In-state ($4,645 per semester); out-of-state ($8,269 per semester)

Florida Gulf Coast University

Students who already have a bachelor’s degree in biological or chemical sciences and are seeking licensure as a molecular scientist can complete the molecular diagnostic certificate at Florida Gulf Coast University. Along with classroom lectures and labs, students will participate in intensive clinical experiences that will prepare them for work in a diagnostic molecular laboratory.

To earn this certificate, students must complete 23 credits in molecular diagnostics; diagnostic microbiology; and clinical immunology. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree, an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, and prerequisite coursework in biology, chemistry, and math. International students must provide proof of English proficiency with either a TOEFL or IELTS exam score.

• Location: Fort Myers, FL
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); National Accreditation Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) 
• Expected Time to Completion: 15 months
• Estimated Tuition: Resident ($373.38 per credit); non-resident ($1,300.66 per credit)

Upstate Medical University – College of Health Professions

The bachelor of science in medical technology at Upstate Medical University’s College of Health Professions is a 60-credit five-semester program for students who have already completed their general education requirements. Graduates of this program are prepared to work in a variety of laboratories, including diagnostic molecular labs. During their studies, students can work in university labs assisting scientists in designing and performing experiments that contribute to active medical research studies.

With a heavy research focus, many of the graduates of this program go on to work in research laboratories where diagnostic molecular scientists are in high demand. Required coursework includes hematology; healthcare ethics; statistics in laboratory medicine; and laboratory operations. Admission requirements include 60 credit hours of prerequisite coursework.

• Location: Syracuse, NY
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); National Accreditation Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) 
• Expected Time to Completion: Two years
• Estimated Tuition: Resident ($11,615 per year); non-resident ($42,450 per year)

Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University offers a graduate certificate in molecular diagnostics that is specifically intended for those who possess a bachelor’s degree in biology, cytotechnology, medical technology, or related health disciplines and wish to enhance their lab knowledge and expertise in molecular-based methods. The program’s coursework prepares graduates for certification in molecular biology by the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel or in molecular pathology by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

This 12- to 15-credit program includes courses such as principles of molecular pathology and clinical diagnostics; molecular diagnostics laboratory; advanced clinical applications of molecular diagnostics; advanced molecular diagnostics laboratory; and an optional clinical laboratory internship.

• Location: Norfolk, VA
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Expected Time to Completion: Within a year
• Estimated Tuition: Resident ($599 per credit); non-resident ($1,439 per credit)

Arizona State University – School of Molecular Sciences

Arizona State University’s School of Molecular Sciences offers an online bachelor of science (BS) in biochemistry. The program focuses on chemical processes in living beings, and the 120-credit curriculum consists of courses such as ​general biology; physical chemistry with a biological focus; general biochemistry; analytical biochemistry laboratory; biophysical chemistry; and general organic chemistry. Students delve into the discovery of drugs and new pathogens, and develop solutions to global problems such as food and environmental degradation.

This online bachelor’s program helps students develop critical thinking skills and prepares them to take up jobs in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, research, government, teaching, and chemical industries. Some roles they can pursue with the degree include medical lab technician, medical doctor, physician assistant, pharmacist, and medical scientist.

Major admission requirements for the program include a high school diploma, a grade point average of 3.0 in competency courses, a completed online application, ACT and SAT scores, official transcripts, and proof of English language proficiency for international applicants. The program requires students to complete some laboratory courses at the Tempe campus.

• Location: Tempe, Arizona
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Expected Time to Completion: 48 months
• Estimated Tuition: $654 per credit

George Washington University

George Washington University offers a 100 percent online master of health sciences (MSHS) in molecular diagnostic sciences program. The program combines biotechnology and molecular biology coursework, along with clinical work experience. Students who complete the program can also sit for the technologist in molecular biology (MB) exam administered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

Admission requirements for the program include a bachelor’s degree in a basic or medical science (e.g., biology, chemistry, microbiology) from a regionally accredited institution, a grade point average of 3.0 or above, and a completed application along with a statement of purpose, a current resume, two letters of recommendation, official transcripts from every college and university attended, and proof of English language proficiency for international applicants.

The program consists of 35 credits and helps students excel in molecular diagnostics. The courses include ​biostatistics for clinical and translational research; advanced laboratory management and operations; microbial pathogenesis; medical biotechnology; molecular pathology; and molecular biology.

Students develop a wide range of skills such as molecular-based testing, designing correlations, maintaining safety at the workplace, and researching and developing preventive and corrective programs.

Upon successfully completing the program, graduates can pursue opportunities in healthcare organizations such as public health laboratories, biotechnology companies, and clinical molecular laboratories. They can take up roles such as biotechnology or government research associate, molecular laboratory scientist, MLS teaching positions, and public health laboratory scientist.

• Location: Washington, DC
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
• Estimated Tuition: $1,030 per credit

Michigan State University – College of Natural Science

After completing just three courses, students can earn a molecular laboratory diagnostics online certificate at Michigan State University’s College of Natural Science. This certificate is an excellent preparation to sit for the molecular biology certification through the ASCP as it covers the information on the exam. However, this course does not meet the requirements to sit for the exam. This program is also a great fit for professionals already working in the field who need to advance their skills or education for advancement or employment opportunities.

The three required courses are concepts in molecular biology; clinical application of molecular biology; and molecular pathology laboratory. While most of the coursework is completed online, students will have to travel to campus for a one-week intensive lab. Should travel be prohibitive, this component can be completed at a remote site.

• Location: East Lansing, MI 
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Expected Time to Completion: Nine months
• Estimated Tuition: In-state ($4,715); out-of-state ($6,042)

Northern Michigan University– School of Clinical Sciences

There are two tracks for the master’s of science in clinical molecular diagnostics at Northern Michigan University’s School of Clinical Sciences. The first track is for professionals already working in the field who want to perform more advanced experiments. In this first track, students can choose between emphasizing human genetics or infectious disease.  The second track is for students who want to use their molecular biology training as clinical educators.

To graduate from this program, students must complete a project, capstone, or thesis. This final component is when students are expected to utilize the skills and education gleaned in the program and demonstrate them to the faculty and their peers. To be considered for admission, students must hold an undergraduate degree in a science-related field with at least a 3.0 GPA. Students must also have completed prerequisite coursework, have laboratory experience, provide three letters of recommendation, and write a statement of intent.

• Location: Marquette, MI
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) 
• Expected Time to Completion: Five semesters
• Estimated Tuition: $734 per credit

University of Cincinnati

The bachelor’s of science in medical laboratory science at the University of Cincinnati can be completed online, with a clinical practice completed near the student’s home. This program is perfect for medical laboratory science professionals who want to earn a more advanced certification or seek career advancement opportunities. Students must complete 60 credits of general education coursework or a medical laboratory technician program before enrolling in this program.

To complete this degree, students must earn 60 credits in various classes including laboratory operations; hematology; statistics for medical laboratory practice; advanced immunohematology; advanced clinical molecular & immunological diagnostics; hemostasis; advanced clinical correlations; advanced clinical microbiology, and more. All students must also complete a capstone project where they present a research project they have designed and completed under faculty supervision.

• Location: Cincinnati, OH
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Expected Time to Completion: Two years
• Estimated Tuition: Resident ($573 per credit); non-resident ($588 per credit)

Most positions for diagnostic molecular scientists require at least a bachelor’s degree. This takes four to five years of full-time study. Some candidates may also have a master’s degree, and some have PhDs. Completing a master’s usually takes two years, while a PhD takes another two to three years.

Additionally, many employers in the field also require candidates to have at least a year of work experience in a laboratory. Finally, a few states require diagnostic molecular scientists to be licensed, while some prefer to hire diagnostic molecular scientists who have achieved professional certification, which can add extra time to the expected career pathway.

Diagnostic molecular scientists are trained professionals who conduct research and tests for many types of medical diagnoses and analyses, including infectious diseases, cancer, pharmacogenetics, genetic disorders, and identity testing. They are typically involved in RNA and DNA isolation, detection, amplification, and viral load analysis.

To become a diagnostic molecular scientist, most positions require a bachelor’s degree in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, medical technology, biology, and related fields. Some of these professionals hold master’s degrees, while others may also have completed PhDs.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to becoming a diagnostic molecular scientist:

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Science (Four to Five Years)

Common areas of study for future molecular scientists include microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, medical technology, biology, and related fields.

Step 2: Gain Industry Experience (One Year or More)

Students must also consider working in laboratories on-campus or getting involved in research, as it will help strengthen their resume. Employers often seek candidates with professional work experience in a laboratory.

Step 3: Earn an Advanced Degree (Optional, Two to Five Years)

For better opportunities, students should consider getting a master’s degree. Earning a PhD also helps students gain access to lucrative opportunities in universities and research labs, as well as top-paying industries such as pharmaceuticals.

Step 4: Become Licensed and/or Certified (One Year or More)

Consider getting licensed through organizations such as American Medical Technologists (AMT) or the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), as this is a requirement in some states.

Some employers also prefer hiring diagnostic molecular scientists with a certification, such as medical technologists or biology technologists. In order to earn a certification, students must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and meet coursework and experience requirements.

See the section below for detailed information about relevant certifications in the US.

The work of diagnostic molecular scientists mainly revolves around studying human samples including hair follicles, blood and bone, and fetal cells. They examine these materials at a molecular level and make inferences. They study DNA and RNA samples, research infectious diseases, and report findings.

Some of their duties are as follows:

• Sequence DNA and RNA samples
• Report and analyze data
• Write documents and develop quality control protocols
• Research infectious diseases
• Supervise laboratory work

While the majority of molecular scientists are employed by hospitals, some work in public health agencies, forensic settings, or pharmaceutical companies.

Diagnostic molecular scientists are required to be licensed in some states. While some states have their own licensing exam, others allow professionals to sit for an exam administered by an organization such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or the American Medical Technologists (AMT). Employers also prefer candidates with certifications such as molecular biology technologist and medical technologist.

The ASCP offers the following certifications that are related to diagnostic molecular science (among others):

• Histotechnician (HT)
• Technologist in blood banking (BB)
• Technologist in chemistry (C)
• Technologist in cytogenetics (CG)
• Technologist in hematology (H)
• Technologist in microbiology (M)
• Technologist in molecular biology (MB)
• Cytotechnologist (CT)
• Histotechnologist (HTL)
• Medical laboratory technician (MLT)
• Medical laboratory scientist (MLS)
• Specialist in microbiology (SM)
• Specialist in molecular biology (SMB)

AMT offers the following certifications that are related to diagnostic molecular science:

• Molecular diagnostics technologist (MDT)
• Medical laboratory technician (MLT)

Eligibility requirements for these certifications vary but generally include multiple pathways to achieve. Typically, candidates must have at least an associate (or bachelor’s degree) from an accredited university, proof of specific qualifying coursework (e.g., molecular biology, infectious disease testing, mass spectrometry, genetics, and genomics, etc.), and a certain amount of professional work experience, in addition to passing the relevant certification exams.

As a final note, although the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2022) does not keep detailed salary data specifically for diagnostic molecular scientists, it does track the pay of two related professions: clinical laboratory technologists, technicians, and medical scientists.

According to the BLS (May 2022), 333,600 clinical laboratory technologists and technicians were employed in the US with an average annual salary of $59,130. They had the following percentiles:

According to the BLS (May 2022), there were 110,550 medical scientists (except epidemiologists) employed in the US with an average annual salary of $110,670. They had the following percentiles:

Please note that medical scientists generally need a doctorate.

Here are some alternative careers to being a diagnostic molecular scientist:

Become a Veterinary Technologist and Technician

Veterinary technologists and technicians work under the supervision of a veterinarian to diagnose and treat medical conditions in animals. They do this through physical examinations, running labs, and monitoring animals’ conditions. They may also collect and process blood, urine, or tissue samples in the lab.

• Typical Education: Associate’s or bachelor’s degree
• Licensing or Certifying Organization: American Association of Veterinary State Boards

Become an Epidemiologist

Public health professionals who investigate patterns or causes of diseases are called epidemiologists. Duties performed by epidemiologists include collecting and analyzing data about diseases or injuries, writing reports of findings, and writing and implementing plans to reduce the prevalence of the disease or injury.

• Typical Education: Master of Public Health (MPH)
• Licensing or Certifying Organization: None required

Become a Radiologic & MRI Technologist

Radiologic and MRI technologists have received specialized training on how to perform X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and other diagnostic imaging. Often, they have obtained national certification and state licensure to practice in this field. Their work allows physicians to make a diagnosis without unnecessary exploratory surgeries.

• Typical Education: Associate’s degree
• Licensing or Certifying Organization: American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)

Farheen Gani

Writer

Farheen Gani is a writer and research expert in healthcare degrees. She has written about healthcare career scholarships, audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and reproductive health specialists, among other topics, since 2019. She writes about healthcare, technology, education, and marketing. Her work has appeared on websites such as Tech in Asia and Foundr, as well as top SaaS blogs such as Zapier and InVision. You can connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter (@FarheenGani).