Want to be part of the next generation of scientists that tackle real-world problems like climate change, pandemics and disease prevention?

The USF College of Public Health (COPH) genomics program is offering a new micro-certificate that provides professionals with a foundational understanding of the field of genomics and precision medicine through the COPH’s Lifelong Learning Academy which addresses workforce development beyond the degree programs.

This June, the program is rolling out the first of the two core courses, Public Health Lab Bioinformatics; and next year they hope to offer the second core course, Applied Genomics.

“The genomics micro-certificates are part of a comprehensive effort by the USF genomics program to support advanced workforce training. Our continuing education training in genomics data science is designed to provide high-value research skills to current public health professionals,” said Dr. John Adams, distinguished university and USF Health professor.

This continuing education training is ideal for public health laboratory and hospital personnel to increase their genomics knowledge base for career advancement. The program provides training in NextGen sequencing and bioinformatics workflows to prepare professionals to fill gaps in the workforce. Participants will strengthen their knowledge base in genomics to successfully integrate new technologies into their laboratories.

Those who enroll in the micro-certificate program must complete two core courses and one elective course. Students will be able to choose one of the following as their elective course: Fundamentals of Genetics, Experimental Design of Meta-omics, Cancer Genomics/Drug Discovery/Targeted Therapeutics, and Emerging Technologies.

All courses are online learning and are self-paced. Each course consists of short online-videos readings, exercises and knowledge checks. Participants will spend approximately 15 hours in each course, depending on their familiarity with the topic, to finish within six weeks.

“Genomics is at the forefront of public health, especially as relates to emerging diseases (I’m sure we can all think of a few of those!),” said Dr. Monica Uddin, professor of psychiatric genomics. “By completing the program, we hope that students gain not only practical training in next generation sequencing and bioinformatic workflows, but also a deeper understanding of genomics from a public health perspective.”

The micro-certificate is the first of its kind at the COPH.

“There’s been a big push for public health workforce development due to emerging public health issues, such as COVID-19. This has created a need in the industry for competency-based short-cycle programs in public health. Short-cycle programs or micro-certificates allow professionals to obtain the knowledge necessary to upskill in a specialized area quickly,” said Dr. Ann Joyce, associate director of continuing education.

The genomics program is also looking to create a future pipeline with these micro-certificates for those that want to continue their education and earn a full certificate and/or grad certificate.

“Micro-certificates broaden the field of professional development, which provides a more complete higher education ecosystem. The goal is to provide lifelong learning experiences for our alumni and community partners. We’re not just saying goodbye to graduates once they complete their degree, micro-certificates allow them to come back and enhance their degrees and obtain continuing education credits,” Joyce said. “These micro-certificates also allow students to control their career trajectory and earn stackable credits. We’re hoping to target other areas in public health, and I’m excited about what we are doing for lifelong continuing education.”

The program will run from June 20 through July 15, 2022. For more information and to enroll, click here.

Story by Caitlin Keough, USF College of Public Health