Public Health Genetics/Genomics Certificate Program
Pioneer New Career Paths
Sarah Lawrence College—for three decades a leader in Genetic Counseling and Health Advocacy master’s programs—is offering a new Public Health Genetics/Genomics (PHG) Certificate Program aimed at healthcare professionals who seek career change and advancement.
The program kicked off in June 2006 and current students are very enthusiastic:
“This is real life professional development—we are there, right now in ‘real time.’”
“We had the rare opportunity to build relationships with national experts who literally spent hours in class speaking freely with us about what happens at the intersection of public health, genetics/genomics and policy. This program is the perfect
complement to my MPH in Health Policy.”
“The term ‘seminar-style’ doesn’t really say what it is. To some people this can mean 100 students in a lecture hall. This is a small, intimate learning environment. Personal.
Cutting-edge. Sitting and discussing important issues around a table.”
“It’s taking genetics from the individual and family to the population level.”
The Public Health Genetics/Genomics Certificate Program offers:
- Preparation for new career directions in research, clinical service and policy
- Timely, challenging and rewarding educational experiences
- Respected faculty imparting cutting-edge skills and knowledge
- Weekend intensives and flexible points of entry to accommodate busy schedules
- A choice of outcomes: Full certificate study, or Continuing Education Units (CEUs); credits toward master’s degree
- A campus location just 30 minutes from mid-town Manhattan
The PHG program is designed for health professionals with the courage to pioneer emerging fields:
- Genetic counselors
- Public health professionals
- Health and patient advocates
- Research professionals in laboratories, industry and academic medical centers
- Nurses
- Doctors
- Lawyers
- Physician assistants
- Social workers
- Graduate students in health-related fields
The PHG program is organized as a series of theme-based modules that offer maximum flexibility. The curriculum features:
- A combination of didactic and case-study methods to explore concepts and applications
- An interdisciplinary approach to topics
- Faculty teams providing students with multiple perspectives on the course material
- Pertinent issues—clinical, policy, ethical, legal, social and epidemiologic—and their direct application to practice
- Controversies, challenges and differing perspectives within these fields
- Coverage of essential laws, regulations and administrative processes
Each module will include a professional development component, featuring experts who will discuss career opportunities within the field. In addition, students will be required to complete a capstone project, which will integrate the material covered in the curriculum and connect students directly with workplace settings.
Between on-site modules at Sarah Lawrence, students will be in consistent contact with a faculty advisor as they design, develop, and carry out their capstone projects. Students will also be expected to read a set of articles (provided) in advance of each campus session, and to prepare for classroom exercises as required.
The PHG program is designed on a “low-residency” model with the working professional in mind. The courses are offered on weekends and in short, intensive sessions that require minimal time off from work, and the program accommodates multiple points of entry—participants may enter the program in September, March or June. Students enrolled in the PHG certificate program will need to be on campus for a total of 11 days.
To earn the certificate, participants must complete all modules associated with the program. Alternatively, modules may also be taken for Continuing Education Units. Approval to grant Continuing Education Units (CEUs) is pending from the American Board of Genetic Counseling. While we are currently unable to offer specific CEU credits for nurses, social workers and other professionals, you may be able to apply for such credit on your own, using the Certificate of Attendance that will be available on the days the courses are offered.