Precision Medicine Specialists

High School

Biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy and physiology, genetics, and other science courses will teach you how to conduct experiments, think analytically, and otherwise engage in scientific investigations. Precision medicine specialists often use computers to conduct research and analyze data, so be sure to take computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, and data analytics courses. Other recommended classes include mathematics, psychology, health, English, speech, writing, and foreign language.

Postsecondary Education

Precision medicine scientists typically have doctorate degrees in biochemistry, bioinformatics, computational biology, genetics, molecular/developmental biology, or a related field—although some have master’s degrees. Many students also participate in postgraduate fellowships, assisting scientists with research. Biomedical, genetic, and other engineers usually have master’s or doctoral degrees in biomedical engineering, genetic engineering, or one of the previously mentioned majors. Those with a bachelor’s degree in one of the aforementioned majors can work as laboratory technicians or technologists.

The American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics accredits postsecondary clinical biochemical genetics and laboratory genetics and genomics programs. Visit https://www.abmgg.org/training-programs for more information.

A small, but growing, number of colleges and universities offer degrees in precision medicine. For example, the University of Chicago offers a master of science in precision health. Concentrations are available in clinical research, data science and artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship in medicine.

Those who plan to specialize in precision medicine data analysis typically have bachelor’s degree in data science, data analytics, artificial intelligence, or a related field.

Aspiring precision medicine specialists who also plan to work as physicians must earn an M.D. or D.O. degree from a medical school, then complete a three- to-five-year residency in a medical specialty, followed by an additional two to three years of specialized training in precision medicine.

Nurses typically have at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing, while pharmacists have a doctor of pharmacy degree. Genetic counselors typically have a master’s degree in genetic counseling.

Certification

Many postsecondary institutions offer certificate programs in genetics, biochemistry, advanced artificial intelligence, data science, genetic engineering, epigenetics, and related fields. Some offer certificates in precision medicine. For example, the Medical College of Wisconsin offers a graduate certificate (as well as a master’s degree) in precision medicine. To earn the certificate, students must complete the following courses: Introduction to Precision Medicine; Precision Medicine Research Plan; and Precision Medicine Master’s Thesis. They also must complete three of the following electives: Bioethics in Precision Medicine; Cancer Precision Medicine; Medical Genetics, Undiagnosed, and Rare Diseases; Pharmacogenomics; and Epigenomics. Visit https://www.mcw.edu/education/graduate-school/graduate-school-programs/precision-medicine for more information about these courses and other program requirements.

Other Education or Training

Continuing education (CE) is extremely important in precision medicine because of ongoing advances in technology, the emergence of new research insights, and other factors. Such education is also important to maintain one’s certification. Many professional associations, colleges and universities, and online learning providers offer CE classes, webinars, workshops, and conference sessions. For example, the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) offers the E3 Genomics Pathways Program. This educational and career development program consists of three components: a one-day guided experience at the ACMG Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting, monthly virtual training workshops that cover topics in genomics and genetics, and virtual networking and mentoring sessions that provide career guidance in genetics and genomics. Other organizations that provide CE opportunities include the American Association for Precision Medicine, American Society of Human Genetics, Biomedical Engineering Society, Epigenetics Society, and the Genetics Society of America.