Program Overview

Molecular Diagnostics Certificate Program

The Molecular Diagnostics Certificate Program is designed for post-baccalaureate and graduate students seeking to enhance their expertise in molecular diagnostics. This program offers a unique hybrid-online and on-campus structure, catering to laboratory professionals in fields such as medical laboratory science, forensics, biotechnology, and pharmaceutics.

Program Overview

The program empowers students with the latest skills and knowledge required for the ever-evolving landscape of molecular biology theory and application. It serves as a robust preparation for the MB(ASCP) certification examination conducted by the American Society for Clinical Pathology.

Plan of Study

The program comprises three 14-week online lectures and one weeklong campus-based laboratory practicum. All courses are transferrable into the MS in Applied Molecular Biology and Biotechnology program within five years.

Fall

• MMSC 690/490 Clinical & Molecular Cell Biology: This online course examines the principles of DNA, RNA, and protein with regard to structure and function, including detailed review of the central dogma. Additionally, genetic topics will investigate cell development, chromosome structure and function, and gene inheritance patterns.

Spring

• MMSC 691/491 Human Molecular Diagnostics: This online course presents and discusses the molecular mechanisms causing disease and the methodology employed in the clinical laboratory for the diagnosis of disease. This will include but will not be limited to; inherited disorders, cancer, infectious disease, and DNA identity testing.
  • Prerequisite: MMSC 690/490

Summer

• MMSC 692/492 Application of Molecular Diagnostics Techniques: This hands-on practical laboratory experience educates participants in the application of molecular techniques and will include such topics as manipulation of patient samples for the isolation of DNA, RNA, or protein; detection of disease states employing PCR, RT-PCR, and qPCR; and analysis and interpretation of molecular data for diagnosis of disease. This class is delivered in a hybrid format.
  • Prerequisites: MMSC 691/491

Tuition Rates

Tuition fees depend on whether you are seeking the graduate or the undergraduate certificate, and, if the latter, whether you are in-state or out-of-state.

Academic Departments

The College of Health Sciences includes the following academic departments:

• Communication Sciences & Disorders
• Epidemiology
• Health Behavior & Nutrition Sciences
• Kinesiology & Applied Physiology
• Medical & Molecular Sciences
• Physical Therapy
• School of Nursing