Accreditation Goal
The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) provides accreditation for Molecular Diagnostics programs. However, the accrediting body does not extend to other areas of precision medicine covered in this program. Furthermore, NAACLS accreditation is limited to clinical molecular technologist certification only and this program aims to target a wider market.
Importantly, the two most prevalent clinical molecular diagnostic certifications (ASCP MB and AMT MDT) allow for certification with a relevant master's degree and 6 months equivalent experience.
The Molecular Diagnostics & Precision Medicine (M.S.) program is designed to ensure students meet these requirements so that they will be eligible for any clinical certifications they choose. Therefore, the initial goal of the program is to be consistent with the The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) accreditation requirements only.
However, evolving clinical standards will be closely monitored to ensure the program continues to provide all possible opportunities for graduating students and to strategically place the program in good standing if in the future clinical accreditation is desired.