Overview
The fully online UBC Graduate Certificate in Genomic Counselling and Variant Interpretation is a new, one-of-a-kind program developed to upskill Genetic Counsellors in bioinformatics and genomic counselling. With a curriculum developed with feedback from more than 350 Genetic Counsellors from around the world, this part-time, for credit, post-graduate certificate prepares students to confidently deliver genomic healthcare in a variety of settings. Courses are designed for genetic counsellors. Others may be admitted with permission of instructors.
Genome-wide sequencing has transformed the practice of clinical genetics, changing the way all healthcare is delivered. By 2025, an estimated 60 million patients around the world will have had their genomes sequenced in a healthcare setting. The need for highly trained genomic specialists capable of interpreting data, and providing specialized counselling, has opened up even more exciting career opportunities for Genetic Counsellors.
What makes the program unique?
The UBC Graduate Certificate in Genomic Counselling and Variant Interpretation is the first standalone education program of its kind in Canada to offer advanced, in-depth training in bioinformatics and genomic counselling. The practical and rigorous curriculum builds on genetic counselling foundations, and is designed to upskill Genetic Counsellors in bioinformatics and genomic counselling.
Students who successfully complete the program not only gain key competencies in genomics, they come away prepared to offer enhanced healthcare and counselling to patients, whether in a clinical, laboratory, teaching, or research setting.
Courses in this program are created and taught by UBC faculty and experts, as well as industry experts in genomics. With Genetic Counsellors involved in every step of the curriculum development, the program is tailored to the unique needs of our profession.
Program Structure
This flexible 100% online program comprises four courses, totalling 12 academic credits that can be completed in as little as 15 months, or can be extended over a longer period. Students can expect to spend approximately 5 – 8 hours a week on course related activities, per a course, during the 13-week period the course is offered.
- MEDG580: Genomic Testing & Clinical Bioinformatics
- MEDG585: Applied Variant Interpretation
- MEDG590: Evidence-based Genomic Counselling
- MEDG595: Emerging Genomic Topics
Quick Facts
Tuition and Fees
| Fees | Canadian Citizen / Permanent Resident / Refugee / Diplomat | International |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $114.00 | $168.25 |
| Tuition * | ||
| Tuition per credit | $360.80 | $397.47 |
| Other Fees and Costs | ||
| Student Fees | Vary | |
All fees for the year are subject to adjustment and UBC reserves the right to change any fees without notice at any time, including tuition and student fees. Tuition fees are reviewed annually by the UBC Board of Governors. In recent years, tuition increases have been 2% for continuing domestic students and between 2% and 5% for continuing international students. New students may see higher increases in tuition. Admitted students who defer their admission are subject to the potentially higher tuition fees for incoming students effective at the later program start date. In case of a discrepancy between this webpage and the UBC Calendar, the UBC Calendar entry will be held to be correct.
Further Information
Specialization
Program Website
Faculty Overview
Academic Unit
Classification
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