Clinical Genetic Molecular Biologist Scientist Certificate

Clinical Lab Scientist

The mode of instruction for the Fall 2021 semester varies by academic program.  Students should remain in communication with their instructors and follow their instructions. Cal State LA’s IT Resources for Remote Access are available here.

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The College of Professional and Global Education offers a one-year post-baccalaureate training program for Clinical Genetic Molecular Biologist Scientist (CGMBS).

This program is a post-baccalaureate training that prepares graduates for positions as Clinical Genetic Molecular Biologist Scientists (CGMBS). A licensed CGMBS performs specialized molecular biology diagnostic tests in hospital clinical laboratories, in commercial reference laboratories, or in research and development for biotech companies. The 52-week long program is approved by the California Department of Public Health, Laboratory Field Services. 

For more information, you may contact Gloria Preza or call (323) 343-6065.

Download the CGMBS Information Packet here.
 

Admission Requirements

CGMBS Program Admission Requirements

A minimum of a bachelor's (baccalaureate) or an equivalent degree in biological or clinical laboratory science, or a field related to genetics, received by May of the year the internship begins. (approved by the program director and accepted by the State of California for the purposes of licensure).

  • A minimum of 10-semester units (15 quarter units) of chemistry; must include an upper-division course in biochemistry.
  • 18 semester (27 quarter) units of biology including:
    • 3 semester (4 quarter) units of genetics
    • 3 semester (4 quarter) units of molecular biology or cell biology
    • The remaining 12-semester units (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.
  • Core courses (genetics, molecular, or cell biology) must have been completed within 7 years of the internship.
  • For candidates with foreign degrees whose language of instruction was not English, a minimum of 90 IBT, 7 IELTS, or 575 PBT TOEFL score is required. IN ADDITION, an upper-division course in genetics, molecular biology, or cell biology that was taken in the U.S.A. with a grade of B or better.
  • Students must complete all admission requirements by May of the year the internship begins.
  • A minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4-point scale. International students must have their transcripts evaluated by the U.S.A. credentials evaluation service IERF and their grades must be converted to a 4-point scale (course by course evaluation).
  • 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 for a Clinical Laboratory Scientist Trainee License –OR- Clinical Genetic Molecular Biologist Scientist Trainee License. Final acceptance for admission to the program is contingent upon receiving this license.
  • Candidates must have U.S. citizenship or permanent residency in the U.S. to be admitted to the programs.
  • Beginning in September 2016, prospective students will be allowed to apply to the program up to 3 times. After 3 unsuccessful attempts, the applicant will no longer be eligible to enter the program. 

To Apply

Program Curriculum:

View the Clinical Genetic Molecular Biologist Scientist Program Curriculum

CGMBS Forms

CGMBS Applications will be accepted from February 1 until March 31 of the year the internship begins. All application materials must be received in the office by close of business on March 31.

Tuition & Fees

Fiscal Year 2021-22
 

Cost Per Unit

$675

Total Program Cost

$8,100

Please note that the total program cost does not include other related expenses in the program.

Financial Aid

Both the CGMBS program has been approved as Gainful Employment Programs by the Department of Education. Eligible trainees can apply for Federal Financial Aid to support them during the year that they are in the program.

Gainful Employment Disclosure

The Gainful Employment Disclosure for this program can be accessed here.