Medical Geneticist Licensing and Certification

Become a Geneticist

Genetics Resources…

As a medical geneticist, you’ll probably have multiple licenses and certifications. The first step is becoming licensed to practice medicine in your own state. The process varies somewhat, but all states use the Unites States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). You will take the first of a series of examinations while you are in medical school. Doing well on the first portion, Step 1, may help you get your choice of medical residencies; this is not the official purpose of the test, but it is reported that hospitals often do consider scores. Step 2 includes both a clinical and written portion. You typically wrap us the USMLE during your post-doctoral residency. Other licensing requirements may include a jurisprudence exam (a test of medical law and ethics). A candidate’s own legal background is of course also important for getting a medical license.

Board certification is a further testament to your expertise as a geneticist. You may pursue certification through the American Board of Medical Genetics. One of the prerequisites is to have at least two years of post-doctoral training in genetics. This may be completed either concurrently with a general medical residency or afterward. There are several options; you can explore them on the site of the ABMG. Your program director will submit documentation at several points along the way.

Another requirement is to pass certifying exams. You will take a general exam plus at least one specialty exam.