A model for rewarding professional growth in the diagnostic molecular oncology laboratory.

The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (UTMDACC), Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is committed to the endless pursuit of innovative research, education, training and administration for the prevention, diagnosis and clinical management of cancer and associated diseases. The molecular genetic technology professional development model promotes personal development, recognizes increased competencies, and sets high standards for all skills and services provided. There are four competency levels that comprise our Professional Development Model (PDM): Discovery, Application, Maturation, and Expert. The skill, knowledge, education, and certification requirements for each level are defined based on the business needs of each lab. When a genetic technologist successfully completes all skills, knowledge, proficiency, education and certification requirements within the appropriate time frame for a particular competency level, his/her salary would be adjusted to the entry point for the competency level he/she has completed.