Advanced Research Training for Genetic Counselors, Certificate
This program is only available to certified Genetic Counselors.
Advanced Research Training for Genetic Counselors is a graduate-level certificate program that provides genetic counselors with specific advanced training for research, enabling them to lead biomedical, translational, behavioral, and/or clinical research studies in genomic medicine. This is a part-time, online, one-year program currently open only to Genetic Counselors who have graduated from an ACGC-accredited MSGC program.
Courses are primarily asynchronous and span seven-week blocks. Two required courses run sequentially in the fall semester (GENC 7101 and GENC 7102) and one required course runs the second half of the spring semester (GENC 7103). Regular weekly synchronous online meetings provide students with opportunities to build on didactic learning in each of the required courses.
As part of the certificate program, students will also choose 1 course unit of online elective(s) offered through one of the Perelman School of Medicine's Master’s and Certificate Programs, such as Healthcare Innovation, Health Policy Research, Translational Research, Regulatory Affairs, Biomedical Informatics or Public Health. The elective course may enhance a student’s interests and skills in patient advocacy, health care disparities, genomic medicine, health care innovations, ethical, legal, and social issues, or promote their ability to write grants as independent researchers.
Throughout their time in the program, each student also works closely with a research mentor to design and complete an individual research project in their area of interest. This can be a research project the student is already actively pursuing, or if desired, the student can propose a new research topic and be matched with a research mentor at their institution.
Contact msgcinquiries@pennmedicine.upenn.edu with any eligibility or program questions.
Curriculum
The Certificate in Advance Research Training for Genetic Counselors is graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis, except in situations where a student enrolls in an elective course where satisfactory/unsatisfactory grading is not an option. Students must complete 4 course units to earn the certificate.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| GENC 7101 | Research Design and Methodologies | 1 |
| GENC 7102 | Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications of Genetics | 1 |
| GENC 7103 | Manuscript & Grant Writing | 1 |
| Elective | 1 | |
| Total Course Units | 4 | |
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.