Project Summary/Abstract
The overarching goals of Genomic Competencies for Nurses from Theory to Application: An
Online Long Course, are to create a training opportunity based on the Essential Genetic and
Genomic Competencies for Nurses with Graduate Degrees tailored to doctoral-level nursing
faculty and students and to improve nurses’ genetic literacy and genomic science literacy to
benefit patient/population health care outcomes, particularly those from underrepresented
minorities (URM), through research, evidence-based practice, education, and advocacy. Specific
aims of the Online Long Course are to: increase literacy in genomics among doctoral-level
nurses and faculty to improve the delivery of healthcare in the era of genomic medicine; 2)
provide a foundational introduction to the genetic basis of disease, health risk assessment,
epigenetics, and personalized healthcare with an emphasis on the associated ethical implications
of genetic and genomic advancements; 3) [identify opportunities for doctoral level nurses’
and faculty to apply genomic medicine into research, teaching, and clinical practice; and 4)
prepare doctoral-level nurses and faculty to assimilate state-of-the-science genetics and related
ethical issues into their research, teaching, and clinical practice with a focus on patients from
URM. [Based on the Integrated Multimodal Model of online education], this self-paced Online
Long Course begins with [an optional] primer module on the basics of genetics and genomics,
followed by six topic-specific learning modules based on the [Essential Competencies, each led
by a team of experts. A comprehensive evaluation plan includes pre- and post-course
assessments for students, as well as ongoing quality improvement.] Participants will be able
to earn a continuing education (CE) certificate specifying nursing continuing education units
upon completion of a course satisfaction survey and post-course assessments. [An Advisory
Committee will provide oversight and assistance in ensuring that course content stays up to
date over a 5-year period. Through this project, a diverse group of nursing doctoral
students and faculty will gain expertise related to the mission of NHGRI, resulting in
significant benefits for nursing science, the nursing workforce, and ultimately, for patients.
Of note, this course can proceed in the current, unpredictable environment due to COVID-
19 because it will be delivered remotely by leaders in online nursing education.]