Genetic Counseling Case Western Reserve University

Overview

The First Year

The major activities during the first year consist of course work (in the plan of study below), clinical observations and defining a research question and preparing a research proposal. Observational clinical rotations begin early in fall semester with students observing in prenatal genetics, cancer genetics, and general genetics clinics at the program’s three affiliated institutions. Additionally, students in the Genetic Counseling program of Case Western Reserve University meet several times over the fall semester to discuss the research process, potential topics, development of a research question and are introduced to the faculty’s research areas of interest.

In addition to continuing clinical observational rotations and research, students continue with course work including an introduction to research methods and more in-depth theory and practice in the psychosocial aspects of counseling during spring semester.

During the intervening summer of years 1 and 2, students begin clinical rotations at the Medical Genetics Division at Akron Children’s Hospital to gain exposure in various clinical settings including prenatal, general genetics, pediatrics, specialty clinics, and cancer genetics clinic. They also rotate through the Cleveland Clinic Molecular Laboratory to become familiarized with the clinical aspects of a diagnostic cytogenetics and molecular genetics laboratory.

The Second Year

The major focus of the second year is continued clinical experiences, research and taking the comprehensive written and oral examinations. Students also complete their coursework, taking one course each semester.

At the beginning of spring semester in January, the students sit for the written comprehensive examination (covering the didactic and clinical genetic counseling material covered to date in the program) and the oral section of the examination, which is given shortly after the written portion. Both examinations are intended to allow students to expand on their knowledge base of human and medical genetics and genetic counseling. Students are expected to pass both sections of the examination in order to meet graduation requirements by the Program. The written portion of the examination is patterned after the national certification examination given by the American Board of Genetic Counseling.

Students continue to work on data collection and analyses for their research projects, which should result in a publishable document. They meet with the Program Director periodically to review their progress as well as with their research committee and of course, are meeting with their mentor on a more frequent basis. During the fall semester of the second year, the students also attend the National Society of Genetic Counselors annual education meeting. This provides an opportunity for students to meet genetic counselors from across the country, to attend scientific sessions to continue adding to their knowledge base and to meet and discuss job opportunities with prospective employers. Successful completion of the program fulfills the curricular and clinical training requirements for eligibility to sit for the certification examination given by the ABGC.