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.