The University of Pittsburgh's School of Nursing offers a certificate program in genetics. This program includes two requisite courses from the School of Nursing: Introduction to Genetics and Molecular Therapeutics and Advanced Topics in Human Genetics. The remaining three courses are electives through other departments in the Health Sciences School.
This program is meant to allow nurses to provide better care and education to their patients
Nurses interested in taking the Genetic Counselor Certificate exam must obtain a Master of Science degree in Genetic Counseling. There are two universities that offer the curriculum to satisfy this requirement, although the Genetic Counselor Certificate is not always the goal.
The University of California, San Francisco offers three programs that focus on genomics. All are dual degree programs with options to study cardiovascular, oncology or gerontology, along with genomics. This in-depth program will provide nurses with the ability to identify individuals who are high-risk for genetic diseases and provide adequate care, including referrals.
Columbia University's Genetics in Advanced Practice program provides similar skills on a broader level, without the dual focus. Columbia's curriculum includes Genetic Concentration, Practicum: Genetic Concentration, and Incorporating Genetics into Advanced Nursing Practice as requisites.
The University of Iowa's Center for Genetics is home to a doctoral program for genetic nursing that boasts top-tier genetic researchers, educators and clinicians.
The University of Washington's Genome Sciences program is highly acclaimed. Research is key in this program, and all students receive full funding, as well as a stipend for living expenses.
The Clemson University School of Nursing offers a PhD program in Healthcare Genetics with an opportunity for an interdisciplinary mentorship.
For nurses interested in furthering their education in genetics, but unable to attend full time, the Cincinnati Children's Genetic Education Program for Nurses offers several web-based programs, and even offers a self-paced module. Information for these programs can be found at cincinnatichildrens.org.