Clinical Molecular Diagnostics (Graduate Certificate)
Bioinformatics, Genetic Analysis, Immunoassays, Medical Technology, Molecular Diagnostics
In as little as one year, you can meet the growing demand for a diagnostics skill set and pursue certification as a technologist in molecular biology.
The graduate certificate program in clinical molecular diagnostics allows individuals who have completed their undergraduate degree to upskill in the area of molecular diagnostics without completing a second degree. Students in this certificate program obtain a skill set that is in demand by health care organizations, the biotechnology industry and the public health arena.
Students learn the skills and knowledge needed to work in clinical laboratories while making a positive impact on health outcomes. The program provides a foundation in clinical molecular diagnostic theory and genetic principles, prepares students for clinical laboratory work by connecting theory with application, and engages students in a hands-on practicum experience.
Students engage in and obtain the knowledge, clinical experience and skills they need to successfully complete the professional examination to become a certified technologist in molecular biology offered through the American Society for Clinical Pathology. Additionally, students interested in furthering their education may request to apply credits earned from this certificate to the Master of Science program in biomedical diagnostics with the approval of the academic unit and the Graduate College.
GI Bill® benefits
This new program is not yet approved for use with GI Bill® benefits.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.
- College/school:
College of Health Solutions
- Location: Online
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
15 credit hours
Required Core (13 credit hours) Other Requirements (2 credit hours)
BMD 510 Current Perspectives in Biomedical Diagnostics (3)
BMD 513 Principles of Diagnostic Technology: Immunoassays (4)
BMD 514 Principles of Diagnostic Technology: Molecular Diagnostics (3)
MDL 570 Applications of Molecular Diagnostics in the Clinical Laboratory (3)
MDL 580 Practicum (2)
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants | International applicants | English proficiency
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Health Solutions.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in biomedical informatics, biology, life sciences, chemistry, biochemistry, engineering, biomedical engineering, health sciences, medical studies, or medical and clinical laboratory science or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
Applicants are required to submit:
- graduate admissions application and application fee
- official transcripts
- one reference (academic or professional)
- personal statement
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Admission Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency.
Prior to starting the program, all students must have coursework in the following areas as evidenced in their transcript:
- cell biology
- genetics
- microbiology
- organic chemistry or biochemistry
A personal statement must be submitted that explains what the applicant's career aspirations are, how the program will help the applicant achieve their goals, and what interested the applicant in this program.
Contact information of one reference is required. The reference will be contacted via email to submit a letter of recommendation. The reference must be an academic or professional source; friends and relatives are not accepted.
Applicants may provide a resume or curriculum vitae to support their application, though this is not required for admission consideration.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to have current employment in a laboratory setting where they may complete the required in-person practicum, though it is not required for admission consideration. Students are responsible for finding their practicum site and are encouraged to connect with the unit early to discuss the process for securing a practicum site if needed.
International students who are admitted to this program are required to complete an in-person practicum located in the United States. International applicants should consult with the International Students and Scholars Center to check their eligibility requirements.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | 07/15 | Priority |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | 11/15 | Priority |
Graduates are prepared to sit for the certified technologist in molecular biology exam offered through the American Society for Clinical Pathology, and they gain a competitive advantage for careers in diagnostic molecular and cellular biology.
Career opportunities in the field of molecular diagnostics include:
- cytogenetics
- genetics
- immunology
- industry development and sales
- laboratory management
- medical laboratory scientist
- molecular diagnostics technologist
- molecular laboratory scientist
- molecular specialist
- research technologist
ASU programs that may lead to professional licensure or certification are intended to prepare students for potential licensure or certification in Arizona. Completion of an ASU program may not meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in another state. For more information, students should visit the ASU professional licensure webpage.
College of Health Solutions
|
HLTHN 401AA
chsgrad@asu.ed
602-496-3300
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
