Program Overview

Certificate in Clinical & Translational Science at the Medical College of Wisconsin

The Certificate in Clinical and Translational Science curriculum is designed for healthcare professionals, clinical investigators, and other individuals interested in gaining additional knowledge and skills in the field. Students completing the Certificate will select from one of four emphasis tracks. The Certificate is designed to be completed in one year but can be completed part-time in up to two years.

Message from the Director

Dr. Octavian C. Ioachimescu is an experienced physician with a demonstrated history of working in medicine and the healthcare industry. Skilled in system operations, clinical and translational research, implementation science, medical education, and clinical care in the field of internal medicine, pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine.

Clinical & Translational Science Certificate Program

About the Program

The certificate program is designed for individuals who want additional training but may not want to pursue a full master's degree and for those who have already completed professional clinical training but would like additional training in clinical and translational research.

• The certificate is designed to be completed within one academic year, and students have up to two calendar years to complete all requirements.
• Students completing the certificate will have the option to transfer up to 12 credits into the Master's of Clinical and Translational Science degree program.

Certificate Curriculum

Emphasis Tracks

When applying for the Certificate, potential students will select from one of the following emphasis tracks:

• Translational Science: This track is focused on the foundational principles of the translational process.
• Population Science: This track will focus on the relationship between factors such as socioeconomic status, health disparities, social determinants of health, healthcare systems, environment, and policies, and health outcomes at a population level.
• Health System Science: The focus of this track is on principles and processes within the healthcare system.
• Community Based Science: This track is focused on engaging the community in research being conducted near the end of the translational spectrum.

Courses

The Certificate in Clinical and Translational Science is 12 credit hours. Every student will complete the same foundational courses in Clinical & Translational Science, Statistics, and Foundations of Health Services Research.

Course Descriptions

Core Courses

• 20101 Introduction to Clinical and Translational Science: 3 credit hours, Fall. The course will provide the student with a broad understanding of clinical translational science.
• 20220 Clinical Statistics I: 3 credit hours, Fall. This is an introductory course in evidence discovery that demonstrates the concepts and application of statistical techniques/tools.
• 20160 Foundations in Health Services Research: 3 credit hours, Spring. The course will provide the student with a broad understanding of health services research design and methodology.

Suggested Electives

• 20262 Introduction to Health Economics: 3 credit hours, Fall. The course is an introduction to health economics both theoretical and applied.
• 20120 Introduction to Health Disparities Research: 3 credit hours, Fall. The course is an introduction to health disparities.
• 20241 Translational Genomics: 3 credit hours, Spring. The primary goal of this course is to teach students how to develop a research program to ask relevant genetic questions in the clinical setting.
• 20260 Introduction to Dissemination and Implementation Science: 3 credit hours, Spring. The course is an introduction to dissemination and implementation science research methods both theoretical and applied.

Admissions

The Certificate in CTS program application cycle is open from January – July. Applications will be reviewed and admission decisions will be made on a rolling basis. Students are only admitted once per year to start in the Fall semester.

• Baccalaureate degree - official transcripts required
• 3.0 cumulative GPA preferred
• Two letters of recommendation
• Personal statement describing reasons for interest in the program and career goals
• Strong foundation in quantitative or biological sciences
• TOEFL scores for students who do not use English as their primary language of communication is required. A TOEFL score of 100 or higher is preferred.

Faculty

A list of faculty and their bios can be found on the Faculty Bios & Research page.

Tuition and Fees

• Tuition and Fees Schedule
• Masters, Certificate & Non-Degree Students: Students seeking financial aid for MPH, MS, or MA degree programs should visit the Financial Aid Office website.
• Current MCW Employees: Tuition Course Approval Form - Human Resources.
• Late Fees: There is a $250 late payment fee for tuition not paid on time according to the Tuition Payments policy.