Ready to take the next step?
Stand out in the next wave of medicine
Gardner-Webb University has partnered with Cohesion Phenomics to offer a cutting-edge Genetic Counseling Assistant (GCA) certificate program to prepare individuals entering the burgeoning Genetic Counseling field. This program is designed specifically for future genetic counselors who want to gain real-world, translational experience in clinical genetics before graduate school.
As a GCA, you’ll go beyond the classroom, working side-by-side with board-certified genetic counselors, clinical teams, laboratories, and healthcare systems to build valuable skills.
Whether you’re planning to become a genetic counselor, clinical geneticist, healthcare data analyst, lab director, or a leader in personalized healthcare, the Genetic Counseling Assistant (GCA) Program gives you the experience and skills to stand out in the next wave of medicine.
The GCA certificate provides foundational knowledge in genetics (Pillar I – 25 CE hours) and healthcare ethics (Pillar II – 25 CE hours) while also building clinical skills in a real-world setting (Pillar III – 160 CE hours). Completing all three pillars in one year will result in a Genetic Counseling Assistant certificate from Gardner-Webb University (210 CE hours).
When: Start anytimeWhere: Online, In-person. Pillars I & II are online and self-paced; Pillar III is an in-person lab experience.Time commitment: 2-3 hours of work per week
Pillar 1: Principles of Molecular Genetics, Clinical Genetic ServicesPillar 2: Healthcare Ethics and SkillsPillar 3: Translational Clinical Experience
PILLAR I – GENETICS: FUNDAMENTALS AND ADVANCES
Location: Self-paced, OnlineTime Commitment: 8 weeksPillar Objective: Demonstrate knowledge of basic science and genetics careTopics Covered: Principles of molecular genetics, Clinical genetic servicesCost: $299 per Pillar | Payment plans availableCredits: 25 CE Hours
PILLAR 2 – HEALTHCARE ETHICS AND SKILLS
Location: Self-paced, OnlineTime Commitment: 5-6 weeksPillar Objective: Explain fundamental legal, ethical, and regulatory aspects of genetic servicesTopics Covered: Healthcare-related laws, regulatory matters, healthcare ethics, healthcare economicsCost: $299 per Pillar | Payment plans availableCredits: 25 CE Hours
PILLAR 3 – TRANSLATIONAL CLINICAL EXPERIENCE*
Location: LaboratoryTime Commitment: 8 weeksPillar Objective: Work as a GCA in a labTopics Covered: Core GCA competencies including workplace basics, pre-examination, examination, post-examinationCost: $1,400 per Pillar | Payment plans availableCredits: 160 CE Hours
*In-person interview is required to move to Pillar 3
This program is designed for students who have completed an undergraduate degree or high school students who have completed AP Biology with a course grade minimum of 85%. This program provides the fundamental background and skills utilized by the Genetic Counseling Assistant necessary for working in a clinic or genetics laboratory. It is also a great steppingstone for those interested in pursuing a Master’s degree in Genetic Counseling.
