What is it about?
This program was designed to provide clinical laboratory scientists with a strong foundation in the different molecular aspects of medical biology, and with the laboratory skills necessary to perform molecular-based techniques used in diagnostics, the research lab, and the medical biotechnology industry. This includes proficiency in a broad array of techniques used in molecular diagnostics, basic principles behind each test, applications to the diagnosis of genetic diseases, cancer and infectious diseases, interpretation of results, advantages and limitations of each method and type of specimen required for each test. This program also emphasizes the importance of biosafety and proper decontamination procedures, and quality control to ensure accurate data for proper patient diagnosis.
The uniqueness of this program relies on the extensive hands-on molecular biology and flow cytometry experience provided in lab courses that are held on Sundays at Stony Brook University. In addition, there are 3 full-time 2-week clinical rotations in flow cytometry, cytogenetics and molecular diagnostics that take place in hospital labs in NYC and Long Island.
Program Specifics:
- This program includes a total of 33 credits, with on-line and on-site courses. This enables students to complete more than 70% of the course requirements in the distance-learning format.
- It is offered as a two-year prescribed part-time program during the summer, fall and spring terms.
- The program includes three clinical rotations in the areas of molecular diagnostics, cytogenetics and flow cytometry, and it culminates with a capstone project.
- Students' learning outcomes are consistent with those specified by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) for Diagnostic Molecular Scientists.
- After completion of the program, students will be well prepared to take the exam for the certification of Technologist in Molecular Biology by the American Society for Clinical Pathology [MB(ASCP)].
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