Program Overview

Program Overview

The Clinical Genetic Molecular Biologist Scientist (CGMBS) Training Program is a 12-month program offered by the Department of Biological Sciences at San José State University. This program enables students to obtain a Technologist in Molecular Biology (MB) Certificate from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and a California Clinical Genetic Molecular Biologist Scientist (CGMBS) License issued by the California Department of Public Health.

Program Details

• The program is 52 weeks long and prepares students to perform molecular biology diagnostic tests in various settings, including hospital clinical laboratories, commercial reference laboratories, or research and development roles in biotech companies.
• Students spend 35 hours a week training on-site at one of the Bay Area clinical affiliates and 5 hours a week taking part in formal coursework online.
• The program features include preparation for certification, great networking opportunities, cohort-based learning, and successful exam completion.

Program Snapshot

• The program consists of 9 units.
• Admission is in the Fall.

Career Opportunities

• 100% of graduates from 2018 to present found employment in a related field and/or continued their education within one year of graduation.
• There are clinical laboratory workforce shortages throughout California and the country, providing many job opportunities for graduates.
• The typical starting pay for a new CGMBS is approximately $50 an hour.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent higher degree in a biological or clinical laboratory science, or a field related to genetics.
• 18 semester units of biology, including:
  • 3 semester units of genetics
  • 3 semester units of molecular biology or cell biology
  • Additional units can be in basic biology, genetics, cell biology, microbiology, or molecular biology
• 10 semester units of chemistry, including biochemistry
• Completion of 10 semester units of upper-division biology or chemistry courses with a grade of B or better
• 12 semester units of upper-division science coursework at a United States university
• A minimum GPA of 2.8 on a 4-point scale
• Experience with molecular techniques, either through hands-on work (at least 500 work hours) or through classes (at least 9 semester units of laboratory credits in molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, or genetics-related labs)
• Three (3) letters of recommendation
• Possession of a Clinical Genetic Molecular Biologist Scientist Trainee License
• Acceptance by the SJSU CGMBS Program admissions committee and a clinical affiliate
• Legal right to work in the United States
• Meet all the requirements of San José State University Admissions Department
• Be able to pass a basic health screen, drug test, background check
• Proof of current immunity to Hep B and other infectious diseases as required by clinical affiliates

Application Deadline

• Fall 2026: Application Deadline is February 13th, 2026, at 5:00 PM

Related Programs

• Clinical Lab Scientist Training: This program has a high success rate, with 99.5% of SJSU Clinical Lab Scientist graduates passing the ASCP Board of Certification examination within one year of graduation. The program is a 40-hour-a-week training program that can be completed in one year, leading to a certificate in Health & Human Sciences. Admission is available for Fall and Spring, and the program is offered in a hybrid format, requiring 45 credits for completion.