How to Become a Geneticist, Courses, Jobs, Scope, Salary

Types of Geneticists 

A career as a Geneticist can be challenging but offers a lot to explore. Professional certification post bachelor’s degree can help your career to boost start directly as a Geneticist. 

Some of the major types among the Geneticists are listed below.

Genetic Counselors

Genetic counselors are specialists who counsel families, local areas and people about genetic diseases and examine disease management options with them. They disclose to them about the risks related with a disease. They identify and interpret the risks associated with inherent genetic disorders. Genetic counselors also help the families and their clients to medically adapt to the medical diseases and problems that might come in their way.

Research Scientist 

They are the professionals who are capable of gathering scientific information and setting up experiments to direct scientific experiments in controlled conditions. Research scientists also design, undertake and analyse information from laboratory-based investigations, experiments and trials. There are various specializations available in different disciplines such as neurosciences, undeveloped cell research, genomics, microbiology and so forth to plan and carry out investigations and deliver quality research and data.

Plant Breeder 

A plant breeder is an individual who considers qualities of seed and attempts to improve the attributes of plants. Plant breeders undertake scientific research projects and study plants and crop-based agriculture to improve plant breeding techniques and develop new strains of crops. They carry out their insight into hereditary qualities for the intersection of plants and ensure to keep the plants’ yields disease free and assist them with ensuring pests and insects.

Steps to Become a Geneticist 

To become a Geneticist, you have to make a strategy. Below we have given some steps which will give you an idea about what points to consider while preparing yourself for this career.

Decision Making 

Before starting your career in the domain of genetics, you must make sure that you are well prepared. As this proves to be a one time decision for you because there will not be any second chance after that.

Subject Choices 

After completing the schooling the first and the foremost step is to choose the correct subject in graduation and higher studies. Students must have taken Physics, Chemistry Biology or Mathematics in their 10+2 as this will be helpful for them in higher studies.

Entrance Exam Preparation

GSAT, DUET are some entrance exams conducted for Admission in Genetics Courses. They must revise their schooling subjects thoroughly as most questions come from 10+2 subjects.

Selecting Correct Colleges

• If you are aiming to get admission in top genetics colleges then you will have to score very good marks in intermediate and Entrance. If your marks are low then you end up getting only a private college, which accepts your qualifying marks. Experts and professionals say it is always good to pursue courses in government colleges as they have the best facilities.

• Appearing for Entrance and taking admission in the best college is just the beginning of your journey. This journey is a 3-4 year long journey that has to be completed with consistency and patience. The 3-4 year genetics course consists of several theoretical classes.

Pursue an Internship

After completing your Bachelor or Master degree, every student has to do an internship. Usually after completion of the course, most of the students are offered internships in different Organizations, but if anyone wants then they can go for Higher studies as well.

How to Become a Geneticist in India? 

Becoming a Geneticist in India is a challenging job. Students who wish to pursue this career, must train their mind to face certain issues and start preparing for the entrance exams right after their secondary class (10th). They must choose the right subjects in their senior secondary level, prepare for Graduation and pursue a Bachelor degree in Genetics or any related field.

School Level Preparation 

Students right after clearing class 10th can pursue subjects in the Science stream with physics, chemistry, biology or mathematics as their compulsory subjects. This would help them get the correct ideas right from the ground level and form their fundamentals in the Science stream and learn about genetics through Biology. However, students must qualify in the entrance exam to pursue the courses.

Undergraduate Preparation 

After qualifying 10+2, candidates need to have at least 60-65% to get admitted to a good college and complete a 3 years graduation degree. It is recommended that post your graduation, you should enroll yourselves for a genetics certification like Certificate in Geneticist etc.

Postgraduate Preparation 

After completion of the Under graduation course and before opting for a job or higher studies, it would be beneficial if you gain a professional level degree along with training to secure yourself for a better salary package.

How to become a Geneticist Abroad

Apart from India, Genetics courses and the scope of pursuing a career as a geneticist are available in many countries such as The United States, Canada, UK and Australia 

Education Requirements -

• A Bachelor's degree in Genetics is required for an entry-level position as a Geneticist, and a Master's degree or a M.Tech with a focus in Genetics Engineering is considered necessary for advanced positions. 
• A Bachelor's degree is typically completed in 3-4 years
• English Proficiency Tests like IELTS or PTE or TOEFL are mandatory to become a geneticist abroad.
• Along with your degree, marksheets, resume and the necessary exams, a Letter of Recommendation is also compulsory.

How to Become a Geneticist in UK 

• Universities in the UK are probably the most exceptionally respected in the world, and for valid justifications. 
• A portion of the world's most exceptionally respected exploration happens in British colleges, which are routinely highlighted in worldwide rankings. 
• While concentrating in the UK, you will actually want to create an exceptionally multicultural climate with high odds of seeking rewarding professions after graduation. 
• The education in the UK is intended to energize novel thought age, empowering singular research and group cooperation, through class discussions and creative assignments.