Diagnostic Genetics Programs Accredited

Both the cytogenetics and molecular biology programs within Northern's diagnostic genetics major were accredited in October by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science.

Northern was the first institution to have both programs accredited at the same time, said Lucille Contois (Clinical Laboratory Sciences). “We’re the only one right now, with another institution following our lead, that has both programs under the same degree program,” she added. "Others are developing dual programs, but have not been up for accreditation yet."

The cytogenetics program was reaccredited for seven years with no citations. It was the initial accreditation for the molecular biology program, which received the maximum five years with no citations.

"The program was established in 1999, but we couldn't get accreditation for it because none existed until now,"
Contois said. "We are one of three molecular biology programs in the country to go through this first round of accreditation."

NMU’s diagnostic genetics program is affiliated with the Mayo Clinic, where students get extensive training, and its students have a 100 percent pass rate on national exams. Enrollment is growing steadily, with the cytogenetics program maintaining a 100 percent conversion from graduation to employment, and a similarly high average conversion rate for molecular biology.