Mar 28, 2024  
University Catalog 2015-2016 (Final Quarter Catalog) 
    
University Catalog 2015-2016 (Final Quarter Catalog) [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program for Clinical Genetic Molecular Biology Science


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A licensed Clinical Genetic Molecular Biologist Scientist (CGMBS) performs specialized molecular diagnostic tests in hospital clinical laboratories, in commercial reference laboratories, or in research and development for biotech companies. The Cal State LA CGMBS Training Program consists of two components, a didactic component and a clinical training component. The CGMBS Training Program provides both didactic and practical clinical training in molecular testing for cancers, genetic disease markers, histocompatibility types, and some infectious diseases to prepare students to sit for the American Society of Clinical Pathology Technologist in Molecular Biology certification exam. Passage of this exam is required to obtain a California license as a CGMBS. A CGMBS license is required to work as a CGMBS in California. Eligibility to take the exam requires a full academic year of clinical training for 52 weeks, 4 days/week, 8 hours/day as well as one 6-hour day/week of face-to-face classes (3 terms of 6 units each). Clinical Training Affiliates for the CGMBS program have been approved by California Laboratory Field Services.

 The Post-baccalaureate Certificate Program for Clinical Genetic Molecular Biology Science is the didactic component of the Cal State LA CGMBS Training Program. The lecture courses required for this program are offered through the College of Extended Studies and International Programs in Special Sessions to students accepted into the Post-baccalaureate CGMBS Training Program. This is a joint program between Cal State LA and Cal Poly Pomona. The program has been approved as a Gainful Employment Program by the Department of Education. This means that eligible trainees can apply for Federal Financial Aid to support them during the year that they are in the program.

The courses required in this certificate program provide students with the technical knowledge, critical thinking, and management skills needed to pass the American Society for Clinical Pathologists Technologist in Molecular Biology certification exam. All students admitted to the program must have obtained a Bachelor’s degree in biology or a related science, and have completed the following required courses: 4 quarter units of college level statistics, 15 quarter units of chemistry including an upper division course in biochemistry, 4 quarter units in genetics, 4 quarter units of molecular or cell biology, and 19 additional quarter units composed of courses in advanced genetics, or upper division cell biology, molecular biology, or microbiology. At least two of these biology courses must have laboratory components that include molecular techniques.

Prerequisites for Admission to the Program:


  • A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in biology or a related science (approved by the program director and accepted by the state of California for the purposes of licensure)
  • A minimum of 10 semester (15 quarter) units of Chemistry including an upper division course in Biochemistry
  • 18 semester (27 quarter) units of Biology including:
    • 3 (4 quarter) semester units of Genetics
    • 3 (4 quarter) semester units of Molecular Biology or Cell Biology
    • The remaining 12 semester (19 quarter) units in biology must be in advanced genetics or upper division cell biology, molecular biology, or  microbiology.
    • At least two of these courses must have laboratory components that include molecular techniques.
  • 3 semester (4 quarter) units of college level statistics
  • A minimum G.P.A of 2.75 (on a 4 point scale) in the required courses listed above
  • These courses must have been completed in last 7 years.
  • For candidates with foreign degrees whose language of instruction was not English, a minimum of 90 (IBT), 230 (CBT), or 575 (PBT) TOEFL score AND an upper division course in genetics, molecular biology or cell biology taken in the U.S.A. with a grade of B or better.
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation from upper division/graduate course instructors or work supervisors, with at least two letters from instructors
  • Pending application to Laboratory Field Services (http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/lfs) for a Clinical Genetic Molecular Biologist Scientist Trainee License. Final acceptance for admission to the program is contingent upon receiving this license and acceptance for training by a clinical affiliate.
  • A signed statement of good general health from the student’s primary healthcare provider
  • Candidates with foreign degrees must have U.S. citizenship or permanent residency in the U.S. to be admitted to the program.

Requirements for the Certificate (18 units)


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