P527: The first online genetic assistant training program: Curriculum, student demographics and outcomes

Genetic counseling assistants (GCAs) have emerged as a workforce supplement to increase efficiency and expand genetic services. Thus far, training of GCAs has occurred on-the-job, conducted by genetic counselors, and is often limited to job-specific duties. We created an online, instructor-led program consisting of two 10-week courses that provides students with a foundational knowledge of cellular and molecular genetics and genomics, medical genetics concepts, laboratory methodologies, regulatory issues, and social/ethical considerations.