Genomics Continuing Education

Fundamentals of Genomics Course

Logan Health is approved as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by Montana Nurses Association, an accredited approver with distinction by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

The Fundamentals of Genomics Course fulfills 52 CNE, including 2.5 pharmacology, credits.

The Fundamentals of Genomics Course is an entry-level course that introduces the essentials of genetic/genomics across the lifespan. Presented content is considered foundational for understanding and incorporating clinical genetics/genomics into practice. Course content includes the use of a multidisciplinary approach to care and a thorough understanding of the cellular and molecular basis of genetics. Those who enroll in this course will participate asynchronously through literature and video review. Assignments will focus on clinical application and translation of research into practice. Synchronous participation is required for 1.5 hours weekly for 13 weeks to review didactic content. Synchronous and asynchronous participation is a course expectation.

Course objectives include:

• Develop clinical competency in the essentials of genetics/genomics
• Discuss models for integrating genetics into practice
• Acquire genetic screening and genetic test interpretation skills
• Discuss genetic syndromes, diagnosis, and integration of surveillance strategies into practice
• Introduce the learner to genetics/genomics evidence-based guideline recommendations
• Learn techniques to increase population-based screening
• Identify ways of improving community health outcomes while decreasing genetic service disparities
• Participate in collaborative learning
• Prepare participants to be members of a genetics team
• Provide continuing education credits for the experienced RN, NP, and PA that can be used for re-certification.

Who is eligible to apply:

External and internal applicants are welcome to register. BSN-prepared nurses who are currently working in or plan on starting a role in genetics. NP/PA who are interested in learning more about genetics but who are not interested in applying for the full fellowship program and NP/PA who are applying for the fellowship program.

Genomics Fellowship Program

The Logan Health NP/PA Genomics Fellowship program is intended to prepare advanced practice clinicians to become genomics clinical experts and genomics leaders in primary care and specialty practice. The program is meant to increase genetic/genomics evidence-based knowledge and integration of genetics/genomics services into all areas of healthcare practice, as well as improve community health outcomes and decrease genetics services disparities within the community. The aim of this program is to develop clinic-based genomics experts that are capable of integrating genetics/genomics services into practice. Knowledge obtained from this program will result in organization-wide high-risk screening, detection of genetic conditions, and appropriate surveillance offered in every practice setting. The ultimate goal is to improve community health outcomes, incorporate precision medicine into practice, and improve genomics access within the community by training NP/PA to provide point-of-care genetic screening and testing.

Genomics Fellowship candidates are certified nurse practitioners or physician assistants who are currently employed in any specialty or primary care practice at Logan Health. Fellowship cohorts will commence training on the first Monday of each January.

Selected fellows will complete 13 weeks of the fundamentals of genomics course (52 CNE including 2.5 pharmacology credits) followed by 13 additional weeks of clinical practice support and attendance at various genomics lecture presentations that will focus on learning about genetic syndromes. Please refer to the fellowship-fundamental syllabus. The selected fellows will provide genetic/genomic care to a select patient population while receiving advanced practice genomics mentorship and clinical support.

Application Process

Applications open September 1, 2024 and close November 30, 2024.

An application form, CV, brief letter explaining why you would like to participate, what you hope to learn, and how you will apply the information that you learn to your clinic practice is required. Your clinic manager’s commitment of support is also required. Applications will be accepted and reviewed from September 1 through November 30. Candidates will be notified by December 15 of each calendar year. All applications will be reviewed and considered by a committee that consists of Genetic Counselor(s), Logan Health Director of Genetics Development, and the Logan Health Physician Executive of the Cancer Service Line.

Participants will have access to the course on the first Monday of January after payment is received.