AGTC

Genetic Technologist Training and Registration

Index to page

New Recruits

Training

Registration

CMGS membership

New Recruits

When first employed, a trainee genetic technologist will be required to gain a number of competencies defined by the local laboratory. These will be in the areas such as knowledge, technical skills, health and safety and similar. The trainee will become familiar with DNA extraction methods, and with the range of analytical methods in use in the laboratory, including use of specialised equipment.

Training

At the present time, there is variable provision of organised training programmes around UK molecular genetics laboratories, with some laboratories offering well-established programmes and others only a basic programme which is largely self-driven. Training is set to become more consistently organised, as a consequence of implementation of registration (see below). Laboratory training officers will develop local training programmes which are compatible with a national outline.

Downloads - Documents From Recent Meetings and Training Events - Genetic Technologist Meetings

Registration

Genetic technologists in molecular and cytogenetic laboratories are currently registering with the Voluntary Registration Council. This is the first step towards registration with the Health Professions Council, and is a significant development in the genetic technologist career. An application form for registration is available for download from the VRC website, along with guidance advice and similar information.

A statement is reproduced here from Marcus Allen, Chair of the Associated Genetic Technologists Committee (AGTC).

“I started as a Medical Technical Officer in the Great Ormond Street Hospital Molecular Genetics Laboratory in 1999 and have spent the last five years as a MTO3 in the West Midlands Regional Genetics Laboratory at Birmingham Women’s Hospital. During this time I have continually campaigned for increased recognition of the role of the technical staff employed alongside our more prominent Clinical Scientist colleagues. Without doubt the role of the technical staff has evolved tremendously over the last 6 years, to such an extent that the technical grade is no longer seen as merely support staff for the Clinical Scientists, but as a fundamental cog in the working of the diagnostic NHS genetic laboratories. In the majority of laboratories the number of technical staff is increasing to a point that they are approaching nearly 50% of the workforce and over time the role of the technical staff will continue to grow. Genetic Technologists no longer merely perform supportive duties but actually lead the implementation of tests, equipment and other processes within the laboratories, and actually perform a vital role complementary to that of the Clinical Scientists.

Over the last two years a group of technical staff from both the ACC and the CMGS have put in a tremendous amount of work in pushing forward technical staff for regulation under the guise of the Associated Genetic Technologists Committee (AGTC). Not only is it a necessity that we are regulated for the benefit of both our patients and our own safety, but it is of paramount importance in promoting the future development of the technical profession.

I am extremely pleased and proud to be a part of the AGTC in reaching this milestone – the launch of the VRC. Registering ourselves as Genetic Technologists will be the first rung on the ladder in progression to statutory regulation with the Health Professions Council. Over the coming years we will have to re-structure our education and training routes to the benefit of all Genetic Technologists in order to comply with HPC. This is a very exciting time for the future of Genetic Technologists and I look forward to enjoying this journey with you.”

Membership of CMGS

The CMGS welcomes all genetic technologists who have recently joined this professional body and hopes that it will be a rewarding relationship. Many of the benefits of membership can be found on these CMGS pages, and on those of the BSHG. They include newsletters, annual CMGS and BSHG meetings, travel awards and training support. Genetic technologists will also be able to use the organisation to promote their own interests and opinions, and develop training support.