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Program Overview
Description:
The Program in Genetic Counseling is a two-year professional science master’s program that offers an interdisciplinary curriculum in the biological and medical sciences, counseling and related psychosocial subjects, ethics, and ethno cultural issues.
The curriculum reflects the view that genetic counseling involves a complex process of psychosocial communication, in which knowledge of clinical genetics must be coupled with an understanding of relevant psychological, social and cultural issues. Extensive clinical experience, which provides practice in applying counseling theories and techniques in genetics clinics, is integrated into the didactic program through course work and individual supervision.
Upon completion of the program, the student should be able to:
- Understand and apply theories, concepts, and research findings regarding genetic diseases and the practice of genetic counseling.
- Understand techniques and methods used to detect, prevent, and treat genetic disorders, including knowledge of:
(a) biochemistry of gene function and dysfunction;
(b) human anatomy, embryology, and physiology relevant to genetic and congenital disorders;
(c) genetic diseases, their various modes of transmission, recurrence risk calculations;
(d) diagnostic techniques involving cytogenetics, biochemistry and DNA technology.
- Plan, diagnose and assess the needs for genetic services, including screening, and prevention programs.
- Understand and apply relevant individual and group psychosocial theories and counseling principles when interacting with counselees;
- Develop an understanding of how individuals and families process distressing information, cope with the presence of or threat of genetic disease, and make decisions under circumstances of ambiguity, ambivalence, and uncertainty.
- Assess accurately the emotional and intellectual needs of counselees, communicate appropriate information, make effective psychological interventions, and make appropriate referrals.
- Provide direct services in the areas of counseling, consultation, and education.
- Understand the impact of cultural differences on counselees' responses to genetic counseling services and methods for providing culturally sensitive genetic counseling.
- Demonstrate ability, objectivity, and flexibility in working on a genetic services team, integrating relevant ethical issues involved in genetic services and in the application of genetic technology.
- Understand various research methods, utilize critical analytical skills in evaluating published research works.
- Demonstrate effective written and oral communication and presentation skills.
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