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Genetic Counseling
Analytical and
Diagnostic Sciences
| Degree: |
Bachelor of Science, Master of Science |
| Majors: |
Advanced Medical Imaging
Technology (054)
371 CAHS (513) 558-2018
Genetic Counseling (785)
371 CAHS (513) 636-8448
Medical Technology (053)
371 CAHS (513) 558-2018 |
GENETIC COUNSELING,
MASTER OF SCIENCE
Degree: Master of Science
Major: Medical Genetics (785)
About the Program
The University of Cincinnati and Children's Hospital Medical
Center combine academic and clinical resources to offer an
interdisciplinary program tailored for post-baccalaureate
students interested in careers in genetic counseling.
Genetic counseling is a service provided for families or
individuals at greater risk of genetic disorders than the general
population. The genetic counselor, as part of the comprehensive Genetic Service Team, identifies and interprets risks for
these genetic disorders, explains inheritance patterns,
prognosis and testing information, and provides supportive
counseling.
In this two-year program, course work is combined with
practical clinical experience. Course work is emphasized in the
first year, concentrating on developing the background
knowledge necessary for understanding the broad fields of
genetics and birth defects, prenatal diagnosis, cytogenetics,
and molecular genetics, as well as developing interviewing,
interpersonal and counseling skills. Clinical experience and
master's thesis research are emphasized in the second year.
Established in the early 1980s, the Graduate Program in
Genetic Counseling is sponsored collaboratively by the
College of Allied Health Sciences at the University of
Cincinnati and the Division of Human Genetics of the
Children's Hospital Research Foundation, Children's Hospital
Medical Center. A diverse academic curriculum, research,
teaching opportunities, and clinical experiences reflect the
balanced nature of this interdisciplinary program and of the
genetic counseling profession. Faculty members hold
appointments in a variety of disciplines at the University of
Cincinnati and Children's Hospital Medical Center. In 1992,
the Ohio Board of Regents approved the Genetic Counseling
Program to confer an interdisciplinary master of science (MS)
degree in Medical Genetics. The program is one of only 24
such programs in North America. The program has achieved full accreditation
by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC).
Graduates are eligible for certification as genetic counselors
by the ABGC.
Admission Requirements
Candidates with a variety of backgrounds are welcome.
Prerequisites for admission are:
- Bachelor's degree in the biological or social sciences or
equivalent course work in these fields. A solid background in the biological sciences is strongly recommended.
- A personal statement of current academic and career goals
- Three letters of recommendation
- Graduate Record Exam scores
- Applicants whose native language is other than English
are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign
Language (TOEFL).
The admissions process is very competitive. A select group of
applicants are asked to interview with members of the
genetic counseling faculty. Students are admitted for the
beginning of the autumn quarter and should apply by
February 1 in the calendar year in which they wish to begin
the program. Selected applicants will be encouraged to
interview in March, with successful candidates notified at the
end of April.
Degree Requirements
Curriculum. The genetic counseling program requires a
minimum of 72 graduate credit hours, comprised of formal
course work, case conferences, clinical rotations, and research
credits. Specific academic requirements include core courses
in:
- human, molecular, cancer and medical genetics
- epidemiology, biostatistics, and research methods
- embryology and teratology
- individual, family, and genetic counseling.
Additional courses may be chosen to supplement each
student's individual background and interests, or to prepare a
student to conduct his/her research plan.
Research. An independent research project culminating in a
master's thesis.
Clinical Experience. Students achieve proficiency in the
counseling of families for diverse clinical indications in both
inpatient and outpatient settings. Students observe and interact
with persons seeking clinical genetic services in the following
areas: Mendelian genetics, cytogenetics, metabolic diseases,
syndromes, congenital malformations, multifactorial diseases,
and mental retardation. Through rotations available in more
than three dozen specialty clinics at Children's Hospital and
other area hospitals, students learn the
characteristics and treatment of individuals and families with
genetic disorders, such as spina bifida, Down syndrome, the
muscular dystrophies, sickle cell anemia, neurofibromatosis,
hereditary cancers, Huntington Disease and many others.
Training includes exposure to all areas of prenatal diagnosis,
cytogenetics, pediatric and adult genetics. In addition to
the clinical training at Children's, a summer internship at
another genetics center in the United States broadens the
student's experiences. As knowledge and skills develop, the
student progresses from observing qualified professionals to
independent counseling under supervision. Each student
accumulates a minimum of 50 cases for which he/she is the primary genetic counselor, as is required by the American
Board of Genetic Counseling.
Financial Aid
Two forms of financial support may be available to
successful applicants:
(1) Tuition remission-support towards tuition costs.
(2) Stipend support-requires some responsibilities to the
program. Stipend amounts and associated responsibilities are
specified during the interview process.
Placement
Genetic counseling is a relatively new health profession.
Major technological advances have significantly increased the
need for genetic counselors in recent years. Graduates of the
program are fully qualified to work as genetic counselors in a
variety of settings. They may have clinical responsibilities, or
specialize in educational, laboratory, administrative, or
research activities. Program graduates have found numerous
job opportunities awaiting them as professional genetic
counselors.
For Further Information
For more information contact:
Graduate Program in Genetic Counseling
College of Allied Health Sciences
P0 Box 670394
Cincinnati, OH 45267-0394
(513) 636-8448 (phone)
(513) 636-7297 (fax)
GCPROG@CHMCC.ORG
Additional Links
Cincinnati Children's Hospital
National Society of Gentic Counselors
American Board of Genetic Counseling
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