VERBATIM: Manchester announces nation's only online PGx master's degree

"PGx not only improves patient care dramatically, it revolutionizes the way we approach medicine. We can be proud that Manchester University is now a national leader in this emerging field," McFadden said.

The online program lasts two years and offers two tracks: bench research and clinical. The research track is designed for current laboratory technicians or those who already have a bachelor's degree in a science field. The clinical track is designed for health care providers such as physicians, pharmacists and genetic counselors who can put PGx training to use in their field.

In all of the options, students will get personalized attention, and classes will remain small as the programs grow. The University is now taking applications for the online and traditional programs. Classes begin in May.

She said online PGx gives students the option of earning the degree where they live and to continue working.

Tuition for online PGx students will be comparable to the traditional program, about $32,000, plus $2,800 a year in program fees. In the two-year program, those costs will be spread out over two years. For more details, go to: www.manchester.edu/pgx.