LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR GRADUATE PROGRAMS AT AMC
Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Ph.D.
The Ph.D. program in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics trains graduate students to become
proficient and successful investigators who are able to:
1. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of central concepts in the biomedical sciences.
2. Understand the current concepts in biochemistry and molecular genetics.
3. Read and critically evaluate the scientific literature.
4. Formulate hypotheses based on current concepts in the field and design, conduct, and
interpret their own research projects.
5. Present research results in peer-reviewed publications and in a dissertation.
6. Communicate research results effectively through oral presentations at scientific
seminars, conferences, and other venues.
7. Write a competitive application for research funding.
8. Develop ancillary skills, where necessary, to obtain positions outside of scientific
research.
Biostatistics Ph.D.
The Ph.D. program in Biostatistics trains graduate students to become proficient and successful
investigators who are able to:
1. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of biostatistical theory and central concepts in
statistical methodologies
2. Work collaboratively with biomedical or public health researchers on the design,
implementation, data analysis, and dissemination of research
a. Write or modify study aims to that the aims map to testable hypotheses.
b. Identify appropriate study designs and provide appropriate sample size
justification for study aims, and suggest new designs when existing
approaches are inadequate.
c. Identify, implement, and correctly interpret appropriate data analysis
approaches for study aims, and suggest new methods when existing
approaches are inadequate.
d. Obtain basic understanding of biomedical or public health subject matter for
collaborative project.
e. Establish and foster effective communication with non-statistician
collaborators in written, graphical and verbal forms during the lifetime of the
project.
3. Develop and disseminate new biostatistical design, estimation, or hypothesis testing
approaches
a. Read statistical literature on a subject area and synthesize the strengths and
weaknesses of existing research.
b. Use statistical theory and biological/public health knowledge to propose new
statistical methods to solve statistical problems deriving out of
biomedical/public health research.
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c. Use appropriate theory or design and implement appropriate simulation
studies to exhibit that new methodology has sound statistical features.
d. Apply new statistical methodology to real data problems in biomedical or
public health research.
e. Communicate effectively in written, graphical and verbal forms with
biostatisticians.
4. Demonstrate how biostatistical tools apply to and influence research and policy
development in the biomedical and public health arenas.
a. Read subject specific biomedical or public health literature and synthesize
issues that are important in the design, implementation, and analysis of
research in the subject area.
b. Identify areas in a specific biomedical or public health area where existing or
new statistical approaches might transform the conduct of research or
conclusions derived from research in that area.
5. Communicate and teach biostatistical concepts to both biostatistical and nonbiostatistical audiences
a. Communicate orally and in writing simple and complex statistical ideas and
methods to collaborators in non-technical terms
b. Identify biostatistical knowledge and skills needed by collaborators, and
develop materials to communicate that knowledge.
c. Identify biostatistical knowledge and skills needed by peers to understand a
specific subject area, and develop materials to communicate that knowledge.
Biomedical Sciences (Ph.D.)
The Biomedical Sciences Program trains graduate students to become proficient and successful
investigators who are able to:
1. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of central concepts in the biomedical sciences.
2. Understand the current concepts in basic sciences.
3. Read and critically evaluate the scientific literature.
4. Formulate hypotheses based on current concepts in the field and design, conduct, and
interpret their own research projects.
5. Develop ancillary skills, where necessary, to obtain positions outside of scientific
research.
Cancer Biology Ph.D.
The Ph.D. program in Cancer Biology trains graduate students to become proficient and
successful investigators who are able to:
1. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of central concepts in the biomedical sciences.
2. Understand the current concepts in Cancer Biology.
3. Read and critically evaluate the scientific literature.
4. Formulate hypotheses based on current concepts in the field and design, conduct, and
interpret their own research projects.
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5. Orally communicate ideas and research results effectively.
6. Effectively communicate ideas and research results in written form.
7. Integrate and apply the communication and research skills through oral presentations
at scientific seminars, conferences, and other venues, submission of competitive
applications for research funding, authorship of abstracts, peer-reviewed publications,
and a thesis dissertation.
Cell Biology, Stem Cells and Development Ph.D.
The Ph.D. program in Cell Biology, Stem Cells and Development trains graduate students to
become proficient and successful investigators who are able to:
1. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of central concepts in the biomedical sciences.
2. Understand the current concepts in Cell Biology, Stem Cell Biology and
Development.
3. Read and critically evaluate the scientific literature.
4. Formulate hypotheses based on current concepts in the field and design, conduct, and
interpret their own research projects.
5. Present research results in peer-reviewed publications and in a dissertation.
6. Communicate research results effectively through oral presentations at scientific
seminars, conferences, and other venues.
7. Write a competitive application for research funding.
8. Develop ancillary skills, where necessary, to obtain positions outside of scientific
research.
Clinical Science Ph.D.
To prepare students to perform state of the art translational research, graduates of the Clinical
Science Ph.D. program will:
1. Perform human research that adheres to the principles and guidelines of ethical
conduct
2. Critically appraise existing literature and sources of information
3. Accurately select, use and interpret commonly used statistics
4. Apply and use appropriate study designs and methods to address research
questions/hypotheses
5. Identify and measure clinically relevant and meaningful outcomes
6. Design and conduct research studies
7. Adhere to legal, ethical and regulatory issues related to clinical research
8. Prepare research grant submissions
9. Provide constructive reviews and feedback to colleagues
10. Demonstrate effective communication and leadership skill
11. Participate in interdisciplinary collaboration
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Computational Bioscience, Ph.D.
The Ph.D. program in Computational Bioscience trains graduate students to become proficient
and successful investigators who are able to:
1. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of central concepts in the biomedical sciences.
2. Understand the current concepts in Computational Bioscience.
3. Read and critically evaluate the scientific literature.
4. Formulate hypotheses based on current concepts in the field and design, conduct, and
interpret their own research projects.
5. Present research results in peer-reviewed publications and in a dissertation.
6. Communicate research results effectively through oral presentations at scientific
seminars, conferences, and other venues.
7. Write a competitive application for research funding.
8. Develop ancillary skills, where necessary, to obtain positions outside of scientific
research.
Epidemiology Ph.D.
The Ph.D. program in Epidemiology trains graduate students to become proficient and successful
investigators who are able to:
1. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of key epidemiologic concepts
a. Describe a public health problem in terms of magnitude, person, time, and
place.
b. Apply basic terminology and definitions of epidemiology.
c. Identify key sources of data for epidemiologic purposes.
d. Calculate basic epidemiology measures.
e. Evaluate the strengths and limitations of epidemiologic reports.
f. Draw appropriate inferences from epidemiologic data.
2. Demonstrate basic knowledge of human biology and pathophysiology, with special
competence in the disease addressed in the student’s dissertation.
3. Demonstrate basic knowledge of epidemiology problem conceptualization.
a. Review and critically evaluate the literature.
b. Synthesize available information.
c. Identify meaningful gaps in knowledge.
d. Formulate an original hypothesis of the research problem.
4. Develop necessary skills to design a research study.
a. Design a study using any of the main study designs, understanding the
advantages and limitations of each design for addressing specific
problems.
b. Calculate the requisite sample size.
c. Identify and minimize sources of bias.
d. Use basic population sampling methods.
5. Develop necessary skills to collect data for a research study.
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a. Use methods of measurement to design data collection forms, determine
validity of study instruments; identify the presence and magnitude of
measurement error; adjust for measurement error.
b. Monitor progress of data collection and develop and assess quality control
measures.
6. Develop necessary skills to analyze data collected from a research study.
a. Use statistical packages to calculate and interpret descriptive statistics,
analyze categorical data, and perform multivariable regression, survival
and longitudinal analysis.
b. Examine data for the presence of confounding and interaction and manage
them appropriately.
7. Demonstrate ability to communicate research results in both written and oral
formats to both scientists and non-scientists.
a. Prepare a publishable manuscript
b. Present findings from research proposals in written and oral formats.
8. Demonstrate knowledge of ethical concepts as they relate to epidemiology and
human subjects research.
a. Understand the concepts of human subject protections and confidentiality.
b. Apply this understanding in the concept of research.
9. Demonstrate basic knowledge of leading public health problems.
a. Identify major chronic and infectious diseases, their general
pathophysiology, descriptive epidemiology and risk factors.
b. Identify leading causes of death.
c. Know the principles of screening and of surveillance systems.
d. Understand the global, cultural, and social context of health problems, and
how these influence the conduct, interpretation, and dissemination of
research studies.
10. Demonstrate mastery of a substantive area of epidemiology, including the
application of that knowledge in conducting research related to specific topic.
Human Medical Genetics and Genomics Ph.D.
The Ph.D. program in Human Medical Genetics and Genomics trains graduate students to
become proficient and successful investigators who are able to:
1. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of central concepts in the biomedical sciences.
2. Understand the current concepts in Human Medical Genetics and Genomics.
3. Read and critically evaluate the scientific literature.
4. Formulate hypotheses based on current concepts in the field and design, conduct, and
interpret their own research projects.
5. Present research results in peer-reviewed publications and in a dissertation.
6. Communicate research results effectively through oral presentations at scientific
seminars, conferences, and other venues.
7. Write a competitive application for research funding.
8. Develop ancillary skills, where necessary, to obtain positions outside of scientific
research.
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Health Services Research Ph.D.
The Ph.D. program in Health Services Research trains graduate students to become proficient
and successful investigators who are able to:
1. Appropriately use research designs and biostatistical methods to address research
questions/hypotheses.
a. To perform human research that adheres to the principles and guidelines of
ethical conduct
b. Understand the methods for measurement and assessment of clinical outcomes
c. Utilize healthcare databases and other information technologies in research
2. Critically appraise and summarize existing literature
a. Prepare and submit grant proposals
b. Prepare and submit peer-reviewed manuscripts
3. Identify the main components and issues of the organization, financing and delivery
of health services and public health systems in the US.
a. Discuss the policy process for improving the health status of populations
b. Apply quality and performance improvement concepts to healthcare systems.
4. Demonstrate communication and leadership skills for collaboration with other
disciplines
a. Provide constructive reviews and feedback to colleagues
b. Participate in interdisciplinary collaboration
5. Understand legal, ethical and regulatory issues related to clinical research and human
subjects
Immunology Ph.D.
The Ph.D. program in Immunology trains graduate students to become proficient and successful
investigators who are able to:
1. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of central concepts in the biomedical sciences.
2. Understand the current concepts in immunology.
3. Read and critically evaluate the scientific literature.
4. Formulate hypotheses based on current concepts in the field and design, conduct, and
interpret their own research projects.
5. Present research results in peer-reviewed publications and in a dissertation.
6. Communicate research results effectively through oral presentations at scientific
seminars, conferences, and other venues.
7. Write a competitive application for research funding.
8. Develop ancillary skills, where necessary, to obtain positions outside of scientific
research.
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Microbiology Ph.D.
The Ph.D. program in Microbiology trains graduate students to become proficient and successful
investigators who are able to:
1. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of central concepts in the biomedical sciences.
2. Understand current concepts in microbiology.
3. Read and critically evaluate the scientific literature.
4. Formulate hypotheses based on current concepts in the field and design, conduct, and
interpret their own research projects.
5. Present research results in peer-reviewed publications and in a dissertation.
6. Communicate research results effectively through oral presentations at scientific
seminars, conferences, and other venues.
7. Write a competitive application for research funding.
8. Develop ancillary skills, where necessary, to obtain positions outside of scientific
research.
Molecular Biology Ph.D.
The Ph.D. program in Molecular Biology trains graduate students to become proficient and
successful investigators who are able to:
1. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of central concepts in the biomedical sciences.
2. Understand the current concepts in molecular biology.
3. Read and critically evaluate the scientific literature.
4. Formulate hypotheses based on current concepts in the field and design, conduct, and
interpret their own research projects.
5. Present research results in peer-reviewed publications and in a dissertation.
6. Communicate research results effectively through oral presentations at scientific
seminars, conferences, and other venues.
7. Write a competitive application for research funding.
8. Develop ancillary skills, where necessary, to obtain positions outside of scientific
research.
Medical Scientist Training Program (M.D./Ph.D.)
The Medical Scientist Training Program does not confer either the M.D. or Ph.D. degree, but
rather recruits students who seek to complete both degrees. There is a highly integrated
curriculum combining medical and graduate courses in the first year, completion of the Graduate
Preliminary exam at the end of the first year, medical courses in the second year, and the
students then enter a degree-granting graduate program. Once they complete all of the
requirements for the Ph.D., they return to medical school to complete the last two years of
clinical training.
The Medical Scientist Training Program trains combined degree students to become proficient
and successful clinicians and investigators who are able to:
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1.
2.
3.
4.
Demonstrate a basic knowledge of central concepts in the biomedical sciences.
Understand the current concepts in medicine and their chosen Ph.D. field.
Read and critically evaluate the scientific literature.
Communicate research results effectively through oral presentations at scientific
seminars, conferences, and other venues.
5. Write a competitive application for research funding.
6. Develop ancillary skills, where necessary, to obtain positions in a wide range of
biomedical venues.
Neuroscience Ph.D.
The Ph.D. program in Neuroscience trains graduate students to become proficient and successful
investigators who are able to:
1. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of central concepts in the biomedical sciences.
2. Understand the current concepts in neuroscience.
3. Read and critically evaluate the scientific literature.
4. Formulate hypotheses based on current concepts in the field and design, conduct, and
interpret their own research projects.
5. Present research results in peer-reviewed publications and in a dissertation.
6. Communicate research results effectively through oral presentations at scientific
seminars, conferences, and other venues.
7. Write a competitive application for research funding.
8. Develop ancillary skills, where necessary, to obtain positions outside of scientific
research.
Nursing Ph.D.
The Ph.D. program in Nursing trains graduate students to become proficient and successful
nurses who are able to:
1. Demonstrate mastery in a selected substantive area of the nursing discipline.
2. Understand methodologies for critiquing, developing, and extending disciplinary
knowledge.
3. Pursue learning as a journey of ongoing personal development and excellence in research
within and beyond the discipline.
4. Apply logical, critical and creative thinking to a range of research problems.
5. Work both autonomously and collaboratively as a scientist within and beyond the
discipline and community of scholars.
6. Commit to ethical social responsibility and action as a scientist.
7. Communicate effectively as a scientist and as a leading member of the discipline.
8. Appreciate an international perspective and cultural sensitivity in research.
9. Embrace the diversity of opportunities for career development, professional roles, and
disciplinary leadership as a nurse scientist, scholar, educator, and mentor.
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Pharmaceutical Sciences Ph.D.
The Ph.D. program in Pharmaceutical Sciences trains graduate students to become proficient and
successful investigators who are able to:
1. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of central concepts in the biomedical sciences.
2. Understand the current concepts in pharmaceutical sciences.
3. Read and critically evaluate the scientific literature.
4. Formulate hypotheses based on current concepts in the field and design, conduct, and
interpret their own research projects.
5. Present research results in peer-reviewed publications and in a dissertation.
6. Communicate research results effectively through oral presentations at scientific
seminars, conferences, and other venues.
Pharmacology Ph.D.
The Ph.D. program in Pharmacology trains graduate students to become proficient and
successful investigators who are able to:
1. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of central concepts in the biomedical sciences.
2. Understand the current concepts in pharmacology.
3. Read and critically evaluate the scientific literature.
4. Formulate hypotheses based on current concepts in the field and design, conduct, and
interpret their own research projects.
5. Present research results in peer-reviewed publications and in a dissertation.
6. Communicate research results effectively through oral presentations at scientific
seminars, conferences, and other venues.
7. Write a competitive application for research funding.
8. Develop ancillary skills, where necessary, to obtain positions outside of scientific
research.
Physiology and Biophysics Ph.D.
The Ph.D. program in Physiology and Biophysics trains graduate students to become proficient
and successful investigators who are able to:
1. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of central concepts in the biomedical sciences.
2. Understand the current concepts in physiology and biophysics.
3. Read and critically evaluate the scientific literature.
4. Formulate hypotheses based on current concepts in the field and design, conduct, and
interpret their own research projects.
5. Present research results in peer-reviewed publications and in a dissertation.
6. Communicate research results effectively through oral presentations at scientific
seminars, conferences, and other venues.
7. Write a competitive application for research funding.
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Reproductive Sciences Ph.D.
The Ph.D. program in Reproductive Sciences trains graduate students to become proficient and
successful investigators who are able to:
1. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of central concepts in the biomedical sciences.
2. Understand the current concepts in reproductive biology and pathology.
3. Read and critically evaluate the scientific literature.
4. Formulate hypotheses based on current concepts in the field and design, conduct, and
interpret their own research projects.
5. Present research results in peer-reviewed publications and in a dissertation.
6. Communicate research results effectively through oral presentations at scientific
seminars, conferences, and other venues.
7. Write a competitive application for research funding.
Structural Biology and Biophysics Ph.D.
The Ph.D. program in Structural Biology and Biophysics trains graduate students to become
proficient and successful investigators who are able to:
1. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of central concepts in the biomedical sciences.
2. Understand the current concepts in structural biology and biophysics.
3. Read and critically evaluate the scientific literature.
4. Formulate hypotheses based on current concepts in the field and design, conduct, and
interpret their own research projects.
5. Present research results in peer-reviewed publications and in a dissertation.
6. Communicate research results effectively through oral presentations at scientific
seminars, conferences, and other venues.
7. Write a competitive application for research funding.
8. Develop ancillary skills, where necessary, to obtain positions outside of scientific
research.
Toxicology Ph.D.
The Ph.D. program in Toxicology trains graduate students to become proficient and successful
investigators who are able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Demonstrate a basic knowledge of central concepts in the biomedical sciences.
Understand the current concepts in toxicology.
Read and critically evaluate the scientific literature.
Generate hypotheses based on current concepts in the field. Then design, conduct,
and interpret their own research projects.
5. Communicate research results effectively through oral presentations at scientific
seminars, conferences, and other venues.
6. Present research results in national meetings, peer-reviewed publications and in a
dissertation.
7. Writing grant proposal.
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Biostatistics M.S.
The MS program in biostatistics trains graduate students to become proficient and successful
investigators who are able to:
1. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of biostatistical theory and central concepts in
statistical methodologies.
2. Work collaboratively with biomedical or public health researchers and PhD
biostatisticians, as necessary, to provide biostatistical support for development and
design of research studies.
a. Map study aims to testable statistical hypotheses.
b. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of various clinical trial and
observational study designs and data collection methods that go with these
designs.
c. Use probability and statistical theory to develop appropriate data analysis
plans for study hypotheses.
3. Develop, carry out, and report biostatistical modeling and analysis of biological
science and public health studies.
a. Use summary and graphical methods to carry out exploratory data analyses
for data examination.
b. Use probability and statistical theory to identify appropriate modeling and
analysis methods to address study hypotheses.
c. Determine and check modeling assumptions, and verify validity of proposed
analyses.
d. Carry out valid and efficient modeling, estimation and inference to address
study hypotheses, using standard statistical methods including basic one and
two sample methods, general linear models including regression and anova,
logistic regression, and clustered and longitudinal analysis.
e. Read biostatistical literature to determine and implement alternative methods
of analysis.
4. Show how biostatistical tools apply to and influence research and policy
development in the biomedical and public health arenas.
a. Read subject specific biomedical or public health literature and synthesize
issues that are important in the design, implementation, and analysis of
research in the subject area.
b. Carry out specialized analyses in biological (e.g., genetic, association,
microarray) or public health (e.g., epidemiological) settings.
Clinical Science, M.S.C.S.
The M.S.C.S. program in Clinical Science trains graduate students to become proficient and
successful investigators who are able to:
1. Perform human research that adheres to the principles and guidelines of ethical
conduct
2. Critically appraise existing literature and sources of information
3. Accurately select, use and interpret commonly used statistics
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4. Apply and use appropriate study designs and methods to address research
questions/hypotheses
5. Identify and measure clinically relevant and meaningful outcomes
6. Design and conduct research studies
7. Adhere to legal, ethical and regulatory issues related to clinical research
8. Submit research-based manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals
9. Prepare research grant submissions
10. Provide constructive reviews and feedback to colleagues
11. Demonstrate effective communication and leadership skill
12. Participate in interdisciplinary collaboration
Genetic Counseling M.S.
The Genetic Counseling M.S. Program trains graduate students to become competent and
effective health professionals. The American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC), the
accrediting body for genetic counseling graduate programs in North America, defines the
following Practice-Based Competencies that an entry level genetic counselor must demonstrate.
The competencies are categorized into the following domains: Communication Skills; CriticalThinking Skills; Interpersonal, Counseling, and Psychosocial Assessment Skills; and
Professional Ethics and Values. Some competencies may pertain to more than one domain.
These domains represent practice areas that define activities of a genetic counselor. The
explication below each competency elaborates on skills necessary for achievement of each
competency.
ABGC Practice-Based Competencies
Domain I: Communication Skills
1. Can establish a mutually agreed upon genetic counseling agenda with the client.
2. Can elicit an appropriate and inclusive family history.
3. Can elicit pertinent medical information including pregnancy, developmental, and
medical histories.
4. Can elicit a social and psychosocial history.
5. Can convey genetic, medical, and technical information including, but not limited to,
diagnosis, etiology, natural history, prognosis, and treatment/management of genetic
conditions and/or birth defects to clients with a variety of educational,
socioeconomic, and ethnocultural backgrounds.
6. Can explain the technical and medical aspects of diagnostic and screening methods
and reproductive options including associated risks, benefits, and limitations.
7. Can understand, listen, communicate, and manage a genetic counseling case in a
culturally responsive manner.
8. Can document and present case information clearly and concisely, both orally and in
writing, as appropriate to the audience.
9. Can plan, organize, and conduct public and professional education programs on
human genetics, patient care, and genetic counseling issues.
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Domain II: Critical-Thinking Skills
1. Can assess and calculate genetic and teratogenic risks.
2. Can evaluate a social and psychosocial history.
3. Can identify, synthesize, organize and summarize pertinent medical and genetic
information for use in genetic counseling.
4. Can demonstrate successful case management skills.
5. Can assess client understanding and response to information and its implications to
modify a counseling session as needed.
6. Can identify and access local, regional, and national resources and services.
7. Can identify and access information resources pertinent to clinical genetics and
counseling.
Domain III: Interpersonal, Counseling, and Psychosocial Assessment Skills
1. Can establish rapport, identify major concerns, and respond to emerging issues of a
client or family.
2. Can elicit and interpret individual and family experiences, behaviors, emotions,
perceptions, and attitudes that clarify beliefs and values.
3. Can use a range of interviewing techniques.
4. Can provide short-term, client-centered counseling and psychological support.
5. Can promote client decision-making in an unbiased, non-coercive manner.
6. Can establish and maintain inter- and interdisciplinary professional relationships to
function as part of a health-care delivery team.
Domain IV: Professional Ethics and Values
1. Can act in accordance with the ethical, legal, and philosophical principles and values
of the profession.
2. Can serve as an advocate for clients.
3. Can introduce research options and issues to clients and families.
4. Can recognize his or her own limitations in knowledge and capabilities regarding
medical, psychosocial, and ethnocultural issues and seek consultation or refer clients
when needed.
5. Can demonstrate initiative for continued professional growth.
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