Online Programs at GW

The GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences offers the following Post-Baccalaureate Certificate programs:

Medical Laboratory Sciences Certificate

• 100% online didactic coursework, no visits to campus required
• Accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS)
• Qualify to sit for the ASCP Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) exam in as few as 20 months*
• Financial Aid eligible

Please click here for additional details regarding this innovative program.

Blood Banking Certificate

• 100% online didactic coursework, no visits to campus required
• Accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS)
• Qualify to sit for the ASCP Technologist in Blood Banking (BB) exam*
• The certificate consists of 16 credit hours and can be completed in 1 year

Chemistry Certificate

• 100% online didactic coursework, no visits to campus required
• Accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS)
• Qualify to sit for the ASCP Technologist in Chemistry (C) exam*
• The certificate consists of 19 credit hours and can be completed in 1 year

Hematology Certificate

• 100% online didactic coursework, no visits to campus required
• The program requires 18 total credits and can be finished in 12 months
• Qualify to sit for the ASCP Technologist in Hematology (H) exam*
• Accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS)

Microbiology Certificate

• 100% online didactic coursework, no visits to campus required
• Accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS)
• Qualify to sit for the ASCP Technologist in Microbiology (M) exam in as few as 12 months*

Molecular Diagnostic Science Certificate

• 100% online didactic coursework, no visits to campus required
• Qualify to take the ASCP Molecular Biology (MB) Board of Certification examination^*
• An online program that includes a clinical practicum rotation completed in your geographic location
• Finish in about 18 months

* While the completion of these programs will make graduates eligible to register for an ASCP Board of Certification Exam, this does not automatically guarantee a graduate will also meet their state's requirements for state licensure (if applicable). Since each state may have different requirements for licensure, each student is encouraged to contact their state's regulating agency and review these requirements prior to beginning any degree program.

The post-baccalaureate certificate programs provide eligibility for the national board of certification examinations under the auspices of a National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) accredited MLS program.

Please click here for additional program details.

Total credit hours: 48
Total number of courses: 26
Program completion: 2.5 years
Residency requirements: There are two residencies required over separate weekends, and the program culminates with a finalized manuscript ready for submission to a peer review journal.

Gain a mastery of the design, implementation and evaluation of health care programs, lead interprofessional teams, and evaluate evidence to advance health care. The program prepares those in clinical health positions from a range of backgrounds who seek to build competencies in advanced professional practice, whether that be in the clinical or academic environments.

Design programs to advance the practice of health professionals in academic and clinical settings:

• Clinical Practice Leadership Track
• Educational Practice Leadership Track

Who is the Ideal Student for this Program?
Professionals with clinical backgrounds who are interested in pursuing a career as a clinical manager or as an educator in higher education. Professionals who are interested in pursuing a career in a leadership position, either in a clinical or educational role, to improve outcomes in health care. The program delivers the advanced skills and credentialing needed to meet expectations associated with higher-level positions.

Total credit hours: 36
Total number of courses: 12
Program completion: As few as 18 months; average duration is 2 years
Residency requirements: Not required. Students may elect to participate in an internship experience in lieu of a research project.

The online Master of Science in Health Sciences (MSHS) in Biomedical Informatics teaches you how to leverage data to solve complex clinical and public health issues. You'll learn to harness the power of analytics to support clinical decision-making, research, and patient engagement.

Upon completion, you'll be prepared to apply data science principles and design solutions to biomedical information problems to help hospitals and health care systems deliver the best possible care to all patients.

Common Careers

• Chief Medical Information Officer
• Health Information Consultant
• Health Informatics Director
• Health Care IT Project Manager
• Informatics Nurse

Please click here for additional program details.

Total credit hours: 36
Total number of courses: 12
Program completion: 2 years, depending on the number of courses taken per semester
Residency requirements: No on-campus residency or practicum

As a leader in providing academic programs for the clinical research profession for over a decade, GW offers the online Master of Science in Health Sciences (MSHS) in Clinical and Translational Research.

Students in the Master of Science in Health Science (MSHS) in Clinical & Translational Research Program will successfully complete 36 credit hours of coursework in the field of CTR, health care research courses, and courses selected with the objective of broadening the candidate's translational research capabilities.

Career Information: The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the employment in this field is projected to grow 8 percent from 2014 to 2024.

Please click here for additional program details.

Total credit hours: 36
Total number of courses: 13
Program completion: 2 years (part-time)
Residency requirements: Students are required to complete a 4-week clinical rotation in their geographic location.

The MSHS in Clinical Microbiology program is ideal for individuals who are interested in becoming board certified in Microbiology and is one of a few graduate degrees in the country that provides clinical microbiology and laboratory science coursework with a hands-on microbiology practicum. Program curriculum provides eligibility for national certification examinations such as the ASCP Board of Certification Exam — a gold standard in global certification for medical laboratory professionals.

Upon completion of this degree, students can build their career in a variety of settings, including diagnostic microbiology laboratories, research institutions, public health laboratories, biotechnology firms, pharmaceutical companies or governmental agencies.

Career Information: Graduates of this degree program may qualify for the following career opportunities.

• Clinical Laboratory Supervisor
• Clinical Research Manager
• Microbiology Technologist
• MLT/MLS Instructor
• Public Health Microbiologist

Please click here for additional program details.

Total credit hours: 36
Total number of courses: 11
Program completion: 2 years, depending on the number of courses taken per semester
Residency requirements: No on-campus residency or practicum

The MSHS in Clinical Operations and Healthcare Management focuses on the skills necessary to manage and lead across the dynamic continuum of health-service delivery. This program prepares students to sit for their Project Management Professional (PMP) exam, provides mentorship with leaders in the field of health care operations, and offers practicum experiences.

Career Information: Graduates of this degree program may qualify for the following career opportunities:

• Director of Clinical Operations
• Clinical Manager
• Clinical Supervisor
• Vice President of Operations

Please click here for additional program details.

Total credit hours: 36
Total number of courses: 12
Program completion: 2 years
Residency requirements: No on-campus residency or practicum

Designed for working clinical research professionals or those in a related field, the MSHS in Clinical Research Administration online program expands your knowledge of drug development, clinical trial conduct, monitoring, and the business, ethical and legal perspectives of the clinical research industry. GW's Clinical Research MS program prepares you to lead the business and science of clinical research with your own leadership style.

Career Information: Graduates of this degree program may qualify for the following career opportunities:

• Clinical Research Director — $234,002
• Data Manager — $120,856
• Senior-Level Medical Writer — $88,562

Please click here for additional program details.

Total credit hours: 36
Total number of courses: 12
Program completion: 2 years
Residency requirements: No on-campus residency or practicum

The health care quality master's program prepares you to lead the design, development, implementation and evaluation of health care quality and patient safety initiatives. With a health care quality MSHS, you will gain the skills and knowledge needed for success in quality and patient-safety leadership, as well as management and research positions within health care organizations or policy agencies.

Career Information: Employment of health care quality professionals is projected to grow 23 percent, earning $88,000 annually. — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2012 to 2022)

Please click here for additional program details.

Total credit hours: 35
Total number of courses: 13
Program completion: 2 years (part-time)
Residency requirements: No on-campus residency

The MSHS in Immunohematology and Biotechnology program is for individuals who are looking to advance to management or leadership positions within the blood banking or transfusion medicine fields. Applicants to the non-clinical online program should hold national certification as a Medical Technologist (MT), Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS), a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) or Blood Banking Technologist/Specialist.

In GW's cutting-edge program, students will learn to integrate methods of molecular biology and biotechnologies into transfusion medicine, along with acquiring theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Graduates of the MSHS in Immunohematology and Biotechnology program will be prepared to advance to senior or leadership positions in blood banking laboratories, blood centers, donor centers, and transfusion medicine research.

Career Information:

• Biotechnology or Government Research Associate
• Blood Banking Laboratory Supervisor/Manager
• Blood Bank Laboratory Manager
• Transfusion Medicine or Molecular Biology Scientist

Please click here for additional program details.

Total credit hours: 36
Total number of courses: 12
Program completion: 1.5–2 years
Residency requirements: No on-campus residency or practicum in core MSHS program; 1,200 additional hours and on-site practicum for Physician Fellowship

The Master of Science in Health and Sciences (MSHS) in Integrative Medicine (INTM) offers a holistic approach to health care practice that emphasizes the relationship between practitioner and patient.

Informed by evidence-based practice, integrative medicine focuses on the whole person and makes use of all appropriate therapeutic approaches to achieve optimal health and wellness. You'll complete this ABPS- and ABOIM-accredited program well-versed in core integrative health competencies, ready to evaluate your patients' needs and build personalized care plans.

This program also offers two additional options:

• Nutrition Concentration: Focus your studies in nutrition. Infuse nutrition and metabolism fundamentals into the evidence-based care you offer your patients or clients.
• Physician Fellowship: Licensed physicians may add a fellowship onto the MSHS INTM program, featuring an on-site practicum and hands-on skill-building as well as preparation to become board certified.

Ideal student: Caregivers from any field can benefit from this program and learn to offer their patients holistic care. Any health and wellness professional, from nutritionists to physicians, can enhance their practice with the principles of integrative medicine.

Total credit hours: 52
Total number of courses: 12
Program completion: 2 years (part-time)
Residency requirements: Students are required to complete 6 practicum courses in their geographic location.

The MSHS in Laboratory Medicine program is designed to prepare individuals for a career as a medical laboratory scientist and to sit for the national Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) certification exam.

Upon completion, students will have learned the skills to evaluate research and new technologies to understand their relevance in the field, investigate research questions critical to clinical lab practice, and develop problem-solving skills necessary to lead and respond to future changes in laboratory science.

Career Information:

• Clinical Laboratory Scientist
• Clinical Laboratory Supervisor
• MLT/MLS Education Position
• Biotechnology or Government Research Associate

Please click here for additional program details.

Total credit hours: 36
Total number of courses: 12
Program completion: 2 years (part-time)
Residency requirement: No on-campus residency

The MSHS in Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) is a non-clinical online program ideal for students who hold national certification as an MLT or MLS/MT/CLS, specialist or subject technologist.

Guided by faculty who are actively practicing in the field, students will develop strategic leadership skills and build an understanding of the intricacies of managing and leading a business unit. Students will learn how to analyze, evaluate, and effectively communicate research data and will be able to apply empirical knowledge to resolve laboratory and health sciences issues.

Career Information:

• Medical Laboratory Supervisor
• MLT/MLS Teaching Positions
• Public Health Laboratory Scientist/Supervisor
• Biotechnology or Government Research Associate

Please click here for additional program details.

Total credit hours: 35
Total number of courses: 12
Program completion: 2 years (part-time)
Residency requirements: Students are required to complete a clinical laboratory rotation in their geographic location.

The MSHS in Molecular Diagnostic Sciences program is designed for individuals who hold national certification or wish to become certified in Molecular Biology.

GW's online MSHS in Molecular Diagnostic Sciences is one of the few programs that provides students with both traditional coursework in molecular biology and biotechnology, as well as the hands-on clinical rotation experience required to prepare for ASCP Board Certification in Molecular Biology.

Upon completion, graduates will be ready to pursue board certification in Molecular Biology and begin an exciting career in a diagnostic molecular laboratory, research institution, public health laboratory, biotechnology firm, pharmaceutical company, or government agency.

Career Information:

• Biotechnology or Government Research Associate
• Molecular Laboratory Scientist
• MLT/MLS Teaching Positions
• Public Health Laboratory Scientist

Please click here for additional program details.

Total credit hours: 35
Total number of courses: 12
Program completion: 2 years
Residency requirements: No on-campus residency or practicum

The regulatory affairs master's curriculum focuses on regulatory strategy, guidance and regulatory compliance, legal and ethical issues, processes for product development and the business and political components of regulation in clinical research, all while reinforcing the science behind the methods. The regulatory affairs master of science online program prepares you to manage the key elements of the regulatory process in various industries, governmental agencies and consultancies worldwide.

Upon completion, graduates will be ready to pursue board certification in Molecular Biology and begin an exciting career in a diagnostic molecular laboratory, research institution, public health laboratory, biotechnology firm, pharmaceutical company, or government agency.

Career Information: Annual earning potential for regulatory professionals ranges from $80,000–300,000 (manager level, $80,000–120,000; directors, $140,000–170,000; vice presidents, $300,000) — Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society's Scope of Practice & Compensation Survey (2014)

Please click here for additional program details.

Total credit hours: 36
Total number of courses: 13
Program completion: 2 years (part-time)
Residency requirements: No on-campus residency or coursework

The online MSHS in Translational Microbiology is a non-clinical program ideal for individuals who hold national certification (CLS/MLS/MT, Microbiology) or do not wish to become certified.

In this comprehensive program, students will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills regarding the pathogenic mechanisms of infectious agents, research methodologies, and health care leadership.

Upon completion, graduates will be prepared to lead research in hospital labs or biotechnology companies or rise to management or supervisory positions in diverse laboratory settings.

Career Information:

• Biotechnology or Government Research Associate
• Microbiology Laboratory Supervisor/Manager
• MLT/MLS Teaching Position
• Microbiology Laboratory Scientist

Please click here for additional program details.

BSHS total credit hours: 120 undergraduate credits*
MSHS total credit hours: 27 graduate credits

BSHS total number of courses: 20 undergraduate courses**
MSHS total number of courses: 9 graduate courses

Program completion: 3-4 years
Residency requirements: No on-campus residency or practicum

*Students may transfer up to 60 credits from a prior institution. Students must complete at least 60 credit hours of GW coursework.

**Not including any courses required to meet the general education or advanced standing requirement. Accelerate your career with the George Washington University's dual-degree BSHS and MSHS in Clinical Research Administration program. Combine the work of earning your BSHS and MSHS and save time on your path to a career in health care. With the skills you'll gain in this online clinical research administration program, you'll be ready to participate in clinical trial conduct that protects patients through addressing ethical and legal considerations in product development and contributing to innovative medical research.

Career Careers:

• Drug Safety Manager
• Senior Medical Writer
• Clinical Data Manager
• Senior Clinical Research Associate

Please click here for additional program details.

BSHS total credit hours: 120 undergraduate credits*
MSHS total credit hours: 27 graduate credits

BSHS total number of courses: 20 undergraduate courses**
MSHS total number of courses: 9 graduate courses

Program completion: 3-4 years
Residency requirements: No on-campus residency or practicum

*Students may transfer up to 60 credits from a prior institution. Students must complete at least 60 credit hours of GW coursework.

**Not including any courses required to meet the general education or advanced standing requirement.

Our multi-level, dual-degree learning option provides you a seamless way to earn your BSHS in Clinical Research Administration and an MSHS in Regulatory Affairs through an accelerated format, allowing you to earn your BSHS and MSHS in less time by combining the work toward both degrees.

Career Careers:

• Operations Research Analyst
• Regulatory Affairs Specialist
• Clinical Trial Manager
• Regulatory Compliance Officer

Please click here for additional program details.

Total number of courses: 20
Program completion: As few as 18 months; average duration is 2 years
Residency requirements: Not required. Students may elect to participate in an internship experience in lieu of a research project.

*Students may transfer up to 60 college credit hours. Students must earn at least 60 college credit hours at GW to meet the academic residency requirement.

The online Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) in Biomedical Informatics is a first-of-its-kind program designed for students who have completed some previous college coursework and are looking to explore the field of health information systems.

Upon completion, you'll be prepared with the data science, programming, and analytical skills to create and implement solutions to complex biomedical information issues in hospitals and health care systems.

Career Careers:

• Health Informatics Specialist
• Clinical Informatics Specialist
• Informatics Nurse
• Implementation Consultant

Please click here for additional program details.

Total credit hours: 18
Total number of courses: 6
Program completion: 18 months to 2 years, depending on the number of courses taken per semester
Residency requirements: No on-campus residency

The online Graduate Certificate in Clinical Operations and Healthcare Management provides the foundational knowledge and tools to lead projects and operations within the complex world of health care delivery.

Upon completion of the graduate certificate, students have the opportunity to transfer all 18 credits into the MSHS in Clinical Operations and Healthcare Management program.

Career Careers:

• Clinical Operations Associate
• Clinical Consultant
• Clinical Quality Specialist
• Operations Manager/Specialist

Please click here for additional program details.

Total credit hours: 120*
Total number of courses: 20**
Program completion: 2 years depending on transferable credits
Residency requirements: No on-campus residency or practicum

*Students may transfer up to 60 credits from a prior institution. Students must complete at least 60 credit hours of GW coursework.

**Not including any courses required to meet the general education or advanced standing requirement.

Make a lasting impact on health care with a Bachelor's of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) in Clinical Research Administration from the George Washington University. Participate in clinical trial conduct to ensure new therapeutics, innovative devices, and novel treatments follow regulations and guidance — protecting patients and contributing to the rapidly growing field of health care innovation.

Career Careers:

• Clinical Research Coordinator
• Clinical Research Associate
• Clinical Data Manager
• Clinical Trial Manager

Please click here for additional program details.

Total credit hours: 18
Total number of courses: 6
Program completion: 18 months to 2 years, depending on the number of courses taken per semester
Residency requirements: No on-campus residency

The online Graduate Certificate in Clinical Operations and Healthcare Management provides the foundational knowledge and tools to lead projects and operations within the complex world of health care delivery.

Upon completion of the graduate certificate, students have the opportunity to transfer all 18 credits into the MSHS in Clinical Operations and Healthcare Management program.

Please click here for additional program details.

Total credit hours: 21
Total number of courses: 7
Program completion: 2 years

The online Graduate Certificate in Clinical and Translational Research has been designed to meet the professional development needs of researchers who cannot make the time commitment needed to fulfill the requirements of the full master's degree program.

Upon completion of the graduate certificate, students have the opportunity to transfer all 21 credits into the MSHS in Clinical and Translational Research program.

Please click here for additional program details.

Total credit hours: 18
Total number of courses: 6
Program completion: 2 years

The online Graduate Certificate in Clinical Research Administration will prepare students to be strategic leaders who drive success for their health care and research organizations.

Upon completion of the graduate certificate, students have the opportunity to transfer all 18 credits into the MSHS in Clinical Research Administration program.

Please click here for additional program details.

Total credit hours: 18
Total number of courses: 6
Program completion: 2 years

The online Graduate Certificate in Clinical Research Practice capitalizes on the foundational courses of clinical research, health informatics, epidemiology, and biostatistics to prepare the graduate with the knowledge and skills to conduct clinical research in collaboration with sponsored research programs.

Please click here for additional program details.

Total credit hours: 18
Total number of courses: 6
Program completion: 2 years

The online Graduate Certificate in Health Care Quality was created in partnership with the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) and is built on an interdisciplinary, practice-based curriculum, developed to prepare students for leadership roles in quality-based health care.

The certificate program is ideal for working professionals who are either just entering the field of health care or who wish to increase their knowledge and skills to advance to a leadership position. Upon completion of the graduate certificate, students have the opportunity to transfer all 18 credits into the MSHS in Health Care Quality program.

Please click here for additional program details.

Total credit hours: 21
Total number of courses: 7
Program completion: 1.5–2 years depending on the number of courses taken per semester
Residency requirements: No on-campus residency required.

Learn to create personalized care plans grounded in evidence-based practice to address a patient's unique physical, mental and social circumstances. This 21-credit, 100% online certificate is adapted from GW's integrative medicine master's degree program and explores INTM's key concepts in as few as 1.5 years. Upon completion of the Integrative Medicine Certificate, you'll have the opportunity to transfer all 21 credits to the MSHS in Integrative Medicine program.

Total credit hours: 18
Total number of courses: 6
Program completion: 2 years

The online Graduate Certificate in Regulatory Affairs program was developed in collaboration with regulatory affairs professionals in governmental agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes for Health (NIH). This program integrates global regulatory strategy across the curriculum to equip graduates as business leaders in regulatory strategy locally and abroad. Upon completion of the graduate certificate, students have the opportunity to transfer all 18 credits into the MSHS in Regulatory Affairs program.

Please click here for additional program details.

The flexible anytime, anywhere approach to online learning at GW means that you can study and work on assignments when and where it’s convenient for you. Balance your personal and professional commitments. At GW online, you can advance your career without stopping it.

Personalized learning

Many of our online programs have a student-instructor ratio that’s lower than on-campus classes, making it easier to interact with fellow students and get personalized attention from your instructors. Plus, you have access to one-on-one tutoring to help ensure your success.

The prestige of a GW degree

Now you can earn a GW degree without relocating your life, giving you access to the distinguished connections and opportunities we provide. When you earn a degree from an online program at GW, you earn a degree from the George Washington University. Entrusted with its rights, privileges, and honors, you’ll join the ever-expanding GW alumni community who make the world a better place.

Connect to campus from anywhere

GW is your link to leading authorities in policy and health care in Washington, D.C. You’ll be able to research, collaborate, and discuss with classmates and instructors using online learning management systems. Engage with all the resources GW offers, including tutors, the writing center, career services, and libraries—all online.

A dedicated advisor from day one

Each GW online student is assigned an academic advisor who will support your journey to graduation. You’ll get help finding resources, guidance on scheduling classes, answers to your questions, and more. As an online learner at GW, you’re never alone.

Round-the-clock tech support

A late-night software malfunction won’t keep you from getting your assignment in on time. GW provides 24/7 technical support for our online students, ensuring you have complete access to what you need when you need it.