Also called: Molecular Technologist
Runs DNA and RNA tests in hospital labs to diagnose infections, cancers, and inherited diseases.
Extracts DNA from blood samples, runs PCR and sequencing tests, and checks quality controls before releasing patient results. A mistake means a wrong diagnosis, so every step is double-checked.
Estimate.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in medical laboratory science or biology plus certification.
Ways in: 4-year college, Certification. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Medical Laboratory Science, Biology.
Growing about average (about 4% over 10 years). Estimate.
Medium risk for 10 years. Sample-to-answer machines automate PCR steps; quality checks, troubleshooting and licensed sign-off keep techs needed.
Classes: AP Biology, Chemistry, Statistics.
Official data: O*NET occupation 29-2011.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.