Candidates for the Certificate in Clinical Genetics must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university or an overseas post-secondary institution recognized by the Ministry of Education in the home country. Additionally, current or future work experience in health or social work professions such as nursing, nutrition, psychology, physical therapy, and social work is required

This certificate will demonstrate to employers and colleagues that you have obtained the genetic knowledge and experience to appropriately address, in the context of practice, patients' concerns about genetics. Such support will include the ability to identify individuals who may be at increased risk for carrying or developing a genetic disorder, assessing the initial risk, providing general information about genetic disorders and test results, discussing issues surrounding genetics and inheritance, making appropriate referrals for genetic testing and counseling, and identifying useful resources for patients.

Successful completion of this Certificate in Clinical Genetics will allow you to attain the core competencies outlined by the National Coalition for Health Professional Education in Genetics: "Each health care professional should at a minimum be able to: Appreciate the limitations of his or her genetic expertise; understand the social and psychological implications of genetic services; know how and when to make a referral to a genetics professional."

This certification will document that you have obtained the knowledge and skills needed to provide accurate, initial support to clients who may have genetically-related health concerns, such as assessing possible genetic risk and knowing when to refer to genetics providers. This certificate will allow you to become part of a genetics team, to be able to converse knowledgeably with patients and genetics professionals, to be able to identify risk, and to be better able to manage patients with genetic disorders.

A certified genetic counselor is someone who has earned a master's degree in genetic counseling from an accredited program and passed the American Board of Genetic Counseling certification examination. Genetic counselors are trained to provide in-depth genetic risk analysis, offer psychosocial counseling, and work with individuals throughout the various stages of their genetic services process. Successful completion of this certification program will allow you to provide a complementary role to genetics professionals, such as certified genetic counselors.

If you have a bachelor's degree (any discipline) and have had experience as a health care professional, and/or plan to enter the field in the near future, this program may still be appropriate for you. If you provide services to individuals or families with genetics disorders, you may also consider this program. If you have specific questions about your background or eligibility, please contact yolanda.rainey@simmons.edu.

If admitted, you will need to possess or have access to a computer and the Internet with at least a 56K modem. You should be comfortable with the use of email, word processing, and Internet searches. Self-motivation and working independently are key factors. To help determine if your learning style is compatible with online learning, go to our online learning tips page.

The Certificate in Clinical Genetics is an 18 credit program of graduate courses and an independent study. Click here to see the specific courses.

Yes, since all classes are offered online, you have the flexibility to complete the course requirements when they best fit into your weekly schedule, any day or night.

This program includes five courses, including an independent study. The program offers one course each semester and the certificate can be completed in a minimum of 18 months. Courses are offered in sequence: course one is offered in the September semester, course two is offered in the January semester, course three is offered in the summer, and course four is offered in the second September semester. If you complete an independent study while completing the last course, in the second September semester, you can complete the program in 18 months.