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Molecular Laboratory Diagnostics

Certificate 

Hybrid

Course Delivery

6

Total Credits

$4,715

Tuition

9 months

Minimum Duration


Program Details

This hybrid program is designed for working medical laboratory professionals in need of updating their skills and knowledge to meet the demands of modern molecular biology applications in various clinical laboratory settings. Individuals working in veterinary, forensic, industrial, and pharmaceutical laboratories will also find the content pertinent to their career goals. This program is taught by expert faculty in the field of molecular diagnostics. This three-course program provides comprehensive instruction in application and practice in molecular diagnostics.

 

Program Outcomes

Students can use the coursework from this program to prepare for the national credentialing exam in molecular biology, MB(ASCP). Please note that our courses do not directly provide eligibility for national credentialing exams. For details on credentialing, please see: https://www.ascp.org/content/board-of-certification/get-credentialed or contact the BLD program to see if our program advisors can provide course plans that align with your credentialing goals.

Career Outlook

Students that complete this certificate program have a better understanding of molecular diagnostics assays, techniques and troubleshooting. This skillset is in high demand in clinical laboratories and can provide a foundation for job opportunities in various areas of the clinical laboratory.

A Top-Ranked Education

  • 60th Best Public Universities in America — U.S. News & World Report, 2024
  • 123rd Global University —  U.S. News & World Report, 2024

 

Headshot of Rachel Morris

Dr. Rachel Morris

Graduate Program Director

Dr. Rachel Morris received her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Marquette University in 2011. She did her postdoctoral work at Michigan State University and the University of Michigan Medical School where she studied the physiology and ecology of bacteria in low oxygen environments, including the human gut. She has been passionate about education throughout her career, teaching and mentoring high school, undergraduate, and graduate students.

 

Course Information

BLD 830 - Concepts in Molecular Biology (2 Credits)
Provides exposure to techniques and theories of molecular biology including: nucleic acid synthesis and isolation, enzymatic digestion and modification, electrophoresis, hybridization and amplification, as well as clinical laboratory practice ethics.

BLD 831 - Clinical Application of Molecular Biology (2 Credits)
Course covers molecular diagnostic principles, including diagnostic outcomes in both traditional and non-traditional laboratories.

BLD 832 - Molecular Pathology Laboratory (2 Credits)
A one-week intensive laboratory course that is offered during the summer semester here on the campus of Michigan State University. This hands-on laboratory course will give students the experience of working in a molecular laboratory through assay set up, quality control assessment and interpretation. Alternatively, a student may arrange to complete the course activities at a local lab.

 

Learning Experiences

Students must complete the three core courses.

 

Admissions Requirements

 To be accepted to this program, you must have:

  • A bachelor's degree
  • Completed Biochemistry coursework
  • Résumé
  • Official transcripts from all previous schools

To apply to this program:

  • Participants must have a Bachelor of Science degree, including biochemistry coursework.
  • To enroll, students must complete an online graduate application for "LIFELONG" admission. 
  • There is no cost associated with this type of application. Be sure to include the course number (e.g. BLD 830) on the last page of your application.
  • After submitting your application, it will take 24-48 business hours for processing.

Key Dates

The program accepts rolling applications. Students can start the program in any semester. We recommend submitting applications at least one month prior to the start of the semester to allow time for processing.
 

 

Tuition & Fees

 

In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
$4,715
$6,042

 

Cost of Attendance


The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance. A breakdown of a graduate student budget can be found here.

Program Details

This hybrid program is designed for working medical laboratory professionals in need of updating their skills and knowledge to meet the demands of modern molecular biology applications in various clinical laboratory settings. Individuals working in veterinary, forensic, industrial, and pharmaceutical laboratories will also find the content pertinent to their career goals. This program is taught by expert faculty in the field of molecular diagnostics. This three-course program provides comprehensive instruction in application and practice in molecular diagnostics.

 

Program Outcomes

Students can use the coursework from this program to prepare for the national credentialing exam in molecular biology, MB(ASCP). Please note that our courses do not directly provide eligibility for national credentialing exams. For details on credentialing, please see: https://www.ascp.org/content/board-of-certification/get-credentialed or contact the BLD program to see if our program advisors can provide course plans that align with your credentialing goals.

Career Outlook

Students that complete this certificate program have a better understanding of molecular diagnostics assays, techniques and troubleshooting. This skillset is in high demand in clinical laboratories and can provide a foundation for job opportunities in various areas of the clinical laboratory.

A Top-Ranked Education

  • 60th Best Public Universities in America — U.S. News & World Report, 2024
  • 123rd Global University —  U.S. News & World Report, 2024

 

Headshot of Rachel Morris

Dr. Rachel Morris

Graduate Program Director

Dr. Rachel Morris received her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Marquette University in 2011. She did her postdoctoral work at Michigan State University and the University of Michigan Medical School where she studied the physiology and ecology of bacteria in low oxygen environments, including the human gut. She has been passionate about education throughout her career, teaching and mentoring high school, undergraduate, and graduate students.

 

Course Information

BLD 830 - Concepts in Molecular Biology (2 Credits)
Provides exposure to techniques and theories of molecular biology including: nucleic acid synthesis and isolation, enzymatic digestion and modification, electrophoresis, hybridization and amplification, as well as clinical laboratory practice ethics.

BLD 831 - Clinical Application of Molecular Biology (2 Credits)
Course covers molecular diagnostic principles, including diagnostic outcomes in both traditional and non-traditional laboratories.

BLD 832 - Molecular Pathology Laboratory (2 Credits)
A one-week intensive laboratory course that is offered during the summer semester here on the campus of Michigan State University. This hands-on laboratory course will give students the experience of working in a molecular laboratory through assay set up, quality control assessment and interpretation. Alternatively, a student may arrange to complete the course activities at a local lab.

 

Learning Experiences

Students must complete the three core courses.

 

Admissions Requirements

 To be accepted to this program, you must have:

  • A bachelor's degree
  • Completed Biochemistry coursework
  • Résumé
  • Official transcripts from all previous schools

To apply to this program:

  • Participants must have a Bachelor of Science degree, including biochemistry coursework.
  • To enroll, students must complete an online graduate application for "LIFELONG" admission. 
  • There is no cost associated with this type of application. Be sure to include the course number (e.g. BLD 830) on the last page of your application.
  • After submitting your application, it will take 24-48 business hours for processing.

Key Dates

The program accepts rolling applications. Students can start the program in any semester. We recommend submitting applications at least one month prior to the start of the semester to allow time for processing.
 

 

Tuition & Fees

 

In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
$4,715
$6,042

 

Cost of Attendance


The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance. A breakdown of a graduate student budget can be found here.

The MSU Value Promise

You can be ensured a return on your investment at Michigan State University.

As one of the top research universities in the world, Michigan State University has advanced the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years.

MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community.

MSU has been offering online degree programs for over 20 years. Our maturity is evident in the high quality of the learning experience enjoyed by our online students.

MSU provides programs and initiatives that support and enhance diversity. We will expand our campus and external partnerships to put in place inclusive recruitment and retention practices. We nurture and promote individuals’ varied experiences and perspectives, ensuring structures and processes make possible full participation by all members of our community.

MSU actively collaborates with campus and external partners to innovate across all dimensions of graduate education. We create and support networks that increase collaboration and improve educational opportunities for our online students.

MSU’s nationally recognized online programs foster student growth and well-being throughout their academic career. We will expand inclusive mentoring practices and accelerate improvement across units to implement evidence-based practices to ensure our students complete successfully.

Continuing education can be one of the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding experiences you undertake in your life. We hope you consider becoming a Spartan, to learn online and reach your career goals. With highly ranked online programs and exceptional professors, we educate students who advance the common good with uncommon will.