This section covers the following program requirements:

• Curriculum Requirements

• Requirements to Graduate

Program Website: http://icahn.mssm.edu/education/graduate-school/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-genetic-counseling

Mission Statement

The MSGC Program aligns its mission with that of the Institution. The Mission Statement of the ISMMS highlights patient care, education, research, dissemination of knowledge, and concern for community (available at http://icahn.mssm.edu/about/faculty-resources/handbook/general/mission).

Program Goals/Objectives

The Genetic Counseling Program is a 21-month, full-time course of study designed to train future genetic counselors through intensive coursework and a variety of clinical placements.

Program Description

The Genetic Counseling Program is a 21-month, full-time course of study designed to train future genetic counselors through intensive coursework and a variety of clinical placements. The integration of the academic and clinical disciplines within the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, ISMMS, and the Mount Sinai Health System provides our students unparalleled opportunities for didactic and clinical experiences to develop the medical, scientific, and psychosocial skills necessary to practice in this challenging and exciting field. Our graduates are uniquely qualified and highly recruited professionals in one of the fastest growing areas in healthcare. Students must complete the core curriculum. Students are also required to rotate through a variety of clinical settings from prenatal to pediatric to adult genetics. These rotations provide opportunities for extensive supervised experience in history taking, interviewing, patient education, psychosocial assessment, and genetic risk assessment. For the thesis project, students must complete an in-depth study of a selected genetic counseling issue or topic. Students are strongly encouraged to study topics appropriate for national presentation and/or publication. Graduates are eligible to sit for the American Board of Genetic Counseling Certification Examination. The Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC).

Practice-Based Competencies for Genetic Counselors

This seven practice-based competencies that are necessary for practice as an entry-level genetic counselor. Embedded within the seven competencies are 25 sub-competencies that support the attainment of the practice-based competencies. These competencies, along with the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counselors’ Standards of Accreditation, provide guidance for the training of genetic counselors and for evaluating trainees’ knowledge and skills. The didactic and experiential components of a genetic counseling training curriculum must support the development of proficiency in the following competencies: 1) Genetics and Genomics Expertise, 2) Risk Assessment, 3) Counseling, 4) Communication, 5) Research, 6) Healthcare Systems, and 7) Professional Identity. These competencies and skills, as defined by the sub-competencies, describe the minimal skill set of a genetic counselor which should be applicable across practice settings.

Genetics and Genomics Expertise 1. Apply knowledge of genetics and genomics principles, genetic conditions, and testing technologies to the practice of genetic counseling. 1.a. Demonstrate knowledge of genetics and genomics principles and concepts. 1.b. Apply knowledge of genetic conditions to the delivery of genetics services. 1.c. Demonstrate knowledge of genetic testing methodologies and variant interpretation.

Risk Assessment 2. Evaluate personalized genetic risk. 2.a. Analyze family history to estimate genetic risk. 2.b. Calculate risk using probability methods and risk models. 2.c. Integrate clinical and laboratory data into risk assessment. 2.d. Order genetic tests guided by client-centered risk assessment.

Counseling 3. Promote integration of psychosocial needs and client-centered decision-making into genetic counseling interactions. 3.a. Use applicable counseling skills and theories. 3.b. Establish a working alliance with client. 3.c. Promote psychosocial adaptation. 3.d. Facilitate client’s decision-making process

Communication 4. Communicate genetics and genomics information to clients, colleagues, and other community partners. 4.a. Tailor communication to specific individuals and audiences. 4.b. Use a variety of approaches to communicate genetics and genomic information. 4.c. Convey probabilities based on client’s risk perception and numeracy.

Research 5. Synthesize the evidence base relevant to genetic counseling. 5.a. Critically interpret data and literature. 5.b. Apply data and literature considering its strengths, weaknesses, and limitations. 5.c. Demonstrate knowledge of how genetic counselors engage and contribute to the research process.

Healthcare Systems 6. Demonstrate how genetic counselors fit within the larger healthcare system. 6.a. Demonstrate how disparities, inequities, and systemic bias affect access to healthcare for diverse populations. 6.b. Describe the financial considerations in the delivery of genetic services. 6.c. Advocate for continuity of care. 6.d. Collaborate with members of the Care Team, clients, and other Community Partners.

Professional Identity 7. Embody the values of the genetic counseling profession. 7.a. Adhere to the genetic counselor scope of practice. 7.b. Follow applicable professional ethical codes. 7.c. Exhibit behaviors that promote an inclusive, just, equitable, and safe environment for all individuals and communities. 7.d. Engage in self-reflective practice to promote ongoing growth and development.

Program Director

Randi Zinberg, MS, CGC

212-241-9197

Program Associate Director

Lisa Karger, MS, CGC

212-241-2530

Director, Clinical Research

Hetanshi Naik, PhD, MS, CGC

212-241-7699

This chapter covers the MS in Genetic Counseling Program. Students can find the following information in this section.

• Program Information

• Program Requirements

Students will meet with the Program Leadership a minimum two times/year. Students will acquire a thesis advisor(s) based on the topic of interest. In addition, students can be provided a genetic counselor to serve as a mentor for psychosocial skills development and professional growth.

MS in Genetic Counseling students maintain satisfactory progress by:

• Matriculating on a full-time basis

• Maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

• Completing at least 30 credits by the end of the 1st year.

• Earning no more than two incomplete grades, unless they resulted from an approved leave of absence which occurred before a final grade could be assigned.

• Meeting with the Program Leadership at least twice each year.

• Actively participating in journal club, case conferences, and seminars.

• Achieving basic genetic counseling and clinical skills in each of the required clinical rotations as determined by the clinical supervisor.

• Achieving clinical research project goals in accordance with the MSGC thesis timeline, unless otherwise approved by Program Leadership

• Completing the core curricula for the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling

• Completing at least 50 distinct supervised participatory genetic counseling cases as defined by the Accreditation Council of Genetic Counseling

• Completing all requirements for the Master of Science degree in Genetic Counseling including presenting and depositing the clinical research project (thesis) within the parameters of the Program

The core curriculum of the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling is provided by the faculty of the Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, including the Master of Public Health and Clinical Research programs, and the School of Medicine. Courses include:

• Structures for Genetic Counselors

• Molecules, Cells & Genomics

• Biostatistics

• Clinical Research Ethics in Genetic Counseling

• Topics in Genetic Counseling I, II, III

• Introduction to Interviewing and Counseling Methodology

• Medicine, Social Justice, and Public Health

• Medical Genetics

• Culture, Illness and Community Health

• Impact of Illness on Patients and Families

• Practical Analysis of a Personal Genome

• Practical Skills in Genetic Counseling

The program begins in early August. All courses are not concurrent. Students are expected to be in residence throughout the summer except as designated by the Program Director.

All students will need to meet the following degree requirements in order to successfully earn the MSGC degree:

• Achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for all required courses

• Complete the core curriculum

• Attain the minimum clinical competencies defined and documented by each clinical training area

• Complete a minimum of 50 participatory cases as required by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling

• Complete, present, and deposit an in-depth thesis project of a selected genetic counseling issue or topic

Thesis Milestones

Year 1

March 15st

• Send a brief summary of proposed research to designated Program Leadership

• Designated program Leadership will provide feedback regarding feasibility and potential advisors

March 31st

• Advisor(s) secured May 15th

• Complete first draft of proposal

• Include hypothesis, summary, background and proposed methodology

June 30th

• Final Deadline to Submit project proposal to relevant regulatory bodies

Year 2

Mid-March

• Presentation of Research to clinical faculty/staff/students April 15

• Final date for deposit* of thesis for May graduation**

*Deposit instructions can found on the .

** If a thesis project cannot be completed by April 15th students cannot receive their diploma in May. Students should discuss alternative deposit deadlines with Program leadership.