Clinical Genetic Molecular Biologist Scientist Certificate
Gain Your Edge in Clinical Genetics and Molecular Diagnostics
Step into the future of precision medicine and advanced laboratory science with SJSU’s hybrid Clinical Genetic Molecular Biologist Scientist (CGMBS) Certificate program. Designed for aspiring molecular diagnostics professionals, this intensive 12-month program gives students the Spartan Edge through immersive clinical training, industry-aligned course work and hands-on experience in real-world laboratory environments across California. In-person requirements may be completed easily in your local geographic area.
Students graduate prepared to earn both the Technologist in Molecular Biology (MB) certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology and the California CGMBS License issued by the California Department of Public Health — gaining the competitive edge needed to advance in one of healthcare’s fastest-evolving fields.
Program Information
Modality
Hybrid
Program Length
1 year · 9 units
Cost Per Unit
$1,158* for Fall 2027 · Financial aid and scholarships available
Applications Open
August 19 – February 12 for Fall start
Start Terms
Fall
How to Apply
General Requirements
-
Complete at least 60 transferable semester or 90 quarter units. A maximum of 70 semester units from community colleges can be transferred toward the degree. Depending on the program, you could have as few as 50 semester units at the time of application.
-
A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent higher degree in a biological or clinical laboratory science or a field related to genetics.
-
Overall GPA of 3.0 or higher. Note: Course work taken to remediate a GPA that is below the 3.0 acceptable minimum must be taken at a regionally accredited university at the undergraduate, graduate, or post-baccalaureate level. Continuing education or extension courses will not be accepted to remediate a low GPA.
-
Three (3) letters of recommendation.
-
Legal right to work in the United States.
-
Be able to pass a basic health screen, drug test and background check.
Program-Specific Requirements
-
12 semester units of upper-division science course work at a United States university.
-
Completion of 10 semester units of upper-division biology or chemistry courses with a grade of B or better.
-
10 semester units of chemistry, including biochemistry.
-
18 semester units of biology, including:
-
3 semester units of genetics.
-
3 semester units of molecular biology or cell biology with a grade of B or better with the last 5 years prior to application.
-
Additional units can be in advanced genetics, upper-division cell biology, microbiology or molecular biology.
-
-
3 semester units of college-level statistics.
-
Core courses (genetics, molecular biology and cell biology) must have been completed within five (5) years of the internship start date. This requirement may be waived at the Program Director’s discretion, provided that the applicant can establish current knowledge of relevant material through recent work experience.
-
Experience with molecular techniques, either through hands-on work (at least 500 work hours) or through classes (at least 9 semester units of laboratory credits in molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, or genetics-related labs).
-
Possession of a Clinical Genetic Molecular Biologist Scientist Trainee License.
-
Acceptance by the SJSU CGMBS Program admissions committee and a clinical affiliate.
-
Proof of current immunity to Hep B and other infectious diseases as required by our clinical affiliates.
Out-of-State Eligibility
-
For applicants with prerequisites or a degree from a foreign country, a course-by-course transcript evaluation is required from one of the following agencies:
-
Application through CSU Apply is by invitation only. Selected candidates will be invited to complete their application with CSU Apply after advancing through the application steps listed below.
-
Have a valid CGMBS Trainee license issued by the California Department of Public Health Laboratory Field Services (LFS). All requirements and instructions for obtaining a CGMBS Trainee license are on this LFS website.
-
Have an email address that allows you to use Google Workspace.
-
Send an email to cls-group@sjsu.edu and enter in the subject line: INTENT TO APPLY - CGMBS Fall 2027. You must include a PDF copy of your CGMBS Trainee license.
-
If you are a reapplicant, please ask to have your folder refreshed and moved forward.
-
-
SJSU will send you a shared Google Drive Folder to drop the required documents into. Do not send us ANY documents through Postal Mail.
-
SJSU will also send you a shared Google Sheet (spreadsheet) to enter information, including schools attended, license information and contact information for your recommenders, etc.
-
Send this newly revised Confidential Recommendation Form to your recommenders. They must return it directly via email to cls-group@sjsu.edu. SJSU will update your shared Google Sheet as the forms are received. Recommendation forms from supervisors and managers are preferred. Recommendations from instructors are acceptable. Recommendations from coworkers and friends are unacceptable. IMPORTANT: Upload PDF files, not JPG or PNG.
-
Complete this Technical Standards Acknowledgment Form and drop a PDF version into your shared Google Drive Folder.
-
Follow the directions on this Personal Statement Form and drop a PDF version of your finalized Personal Statement into your Google Drive Folder. IMPORTANT: Answer the essay prompt! We will deduct points if you do not. It is very obvious to us when an applicant is using a standardized statement. Remember, our Application Review Committee, as well as all of our participating Clinical Affiliates, may be reading your Personal Statement.
-
Drop a PDF version of your CGMBS Trainee License into your shared Google Drive Folder. Note: You must have a valid CGMBS Trainee license by the application deadline.
-
Drop PDF versions of your transcripts into your shared Google Drive Folder. You need to include every college or university you have attended. Unofficial copies are ok. IMPORTANT: If prerequisites were taken at a foreign university or your bachelor's degree was conferred by a foreign university, we require a copy of your Transcript Evaluation, NACES or AICE only. You do not need to provide copies of your foreign transcripts. Provide the evaluations only.
-
Drop a PDF version of your Resume into your shared Google Drive Folder. It should be consistently formatted and free of typos. IMPORTANT: SJSU and our affiliates reserve the right to require verification of anything appearing on your resume.
-
If applicable, drop PDF versions of related licenses and certificates into your shared Google Drive Folder. Examples include an MLT license, CPT1 license and MB certificate.
-
Address any remaining requests on your shared Google Sheet. We communicate with you during the application process through your shared Google Sheet.
-
Pay the $110 application fee and upload a PDF of your receipt to your application folder.
Valuable Learning Experiences
Gain experience through immersive clinical training, hands-on molecular diagnostics experience and direct exposure to the rapidly evolving world of healthcare and biotechnology. Designed to be completed in just 52 weeks, the CGMBS program combines rigorous real-world laboratory training with focused online course work to prepare students for immediate career success in high-demand clinical and biotechnology settings.
You will benefit from:
- Intensive hands-on training in molecular biology diagnostic testing.
- 35 hours per week of on-site clinical experience at Bay Area clinical affiliates.
- Online course work designed to complement real-world laboratory training.
- Preparation for careers in hospital clinical laboratories, commercial reference laboratories and biotechnology research and development.
- Experience working with advanced molecular biology techniques critical to modern healthcare and precision medicine.
- A fast-track, career-focused program designed to prepare graduates for immediate entry into the workforce.
Featured Courses
What Can You Do With a Clinical Genetic Molecular Biologist Scientist Certificate?
A CGMBS certificate opens the door to high-demand careers in molecular diagnostics, clinical laboratory science, biotechnology and precision medicine.
In California, Clinical Genetic Molecular Biologist Scientists are approved to perform testing in clinical genetic molecular biology in a laboratory certified under Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) for performing high complexity testing in clinical molecular genetic biology.
With the nation facing ongoing shortages of Clinical Laboratory Scientist, graduates enter a rapidly growing field with strong employment opportunities and competitive salaries.
Clinical Genetic Molecular Biologist Scientists in the Bay Area earn an average annual salary of $113,000 - $205,000, according to Glassdoor.
Take a look at some of the top sectors, companies and job titles of our alumni, according to LinkedIn.
Top Job Titles
- Clinical Genetic Molecular Biologist Scientist (CGMBS)
- Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) - Molecular
- Clinical Genomic Variant Scientist
- Clinical Genomic Specialist
- Molecular Diagnostics Scientist
Top Companies
- Ambry Genetics
- CareDX
- Exact Sciences
- Labcorp
- Natera
- NeoGenomics
- UCLA Health
Top Sectors
- Academic Research Institutions
- Biotechnology
- Commercial Reference Laboratories
- Clinical Hospital Laboratories
- Pharmaceutical Companies
Get the Spartan Edge
Gain momentum through intentional learning, meaningful support and real opportunity. Whether you’re starting your journey, advancing your education or expanding your professional skills, SJSU helps you go further.
Graduate Admissions
Review our admission requirements and utilize our Graduate Program Coordinators.
View Admissions Info
Costs and Financial Aid
What you need to know about tuition, fees, financial aid and cost per unit.
See Cost and Aid
More Graduate Programs
Find the right degree program, certificate or credential for your goals.
Find Your Program