Fundamentals of Genetics

The Fundamentals of Genetics learning path is designed to build a strong foundation for any healthcare provider, clinic staff, or partner who needs to understand how genetics impacts modern medicine and patient care. In this comprehensive course, you will learn the basics of human genetics, including DNA structure, gene expression, inheritance patterns, and the significance of genetic variants in disease risk and treatment decisions. We will explain how cell-free DNA technology works and why it has become a cornerstone of Natera’s testing solutions, covering applications in oncology, women’s health, and organ health. You will explore the difference between germline and somatic mutations, review key terminology like single nucleotide variants, copy number variants, and structural variants, and understand how these translate into clinical insights. This path also walks you through real-world scenarios, showing how genetic information informs diagnosis, risk stratification, and personalized treatment plans. We provide engaging videos, microlearning modules, and interactive content to make the science approachable and actionable. The course will also introduce you to the regulatory and ethical considerations involved in genetic testing, ensuring you understand patient privacy, informed consent, and result interpretation responsibilities. Throughout this path, you will be guided on how to integrate genetics knowledge into your daily workflow, use Natera’s ordering platforms efficiently, and explain complex genetic results to patients in a way they can understand. You will also see how genetics education can improve patient engagement, support shared decision-making, and help reduce anxiety by clarifying what the results mean. By the end of this learning path, you will have a comprehensive understanding of genetic principles, be comfortable with terminology, and be ready to move into product-specific swimlanes where you can apply what you have learned to Natera’s portfolio of solutions.