Genetic Counseling

Overview

What does it mean to be a genetic counseling student? 

At the University of South Carolina it means you become part of the team from day one: an engaged learner in our genetics center. You'll have an experienced faculty who are open door mentors in your preparation for this career. You'll have access in the classroom and in the clinic to the geneticist and genetic counselor faculty in our rotation network of twelve genetic centers. The world of genetic counseling will unfold for you in two very busy years.

Our goal is to provide a strong foundation in genetic concepts and interpersonal communication to prepare our students for the dozens of roles open to genetic counselors today. Upon graduation, students from the Genetic Counseling MSc program offered at University of South Carolina will demonstrate advanced knowledge in genetics, genomics and psychosocial skills and will be equipped to collaborate with an interprofessional team to provide patient centered care in a variety of settings.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to establish a mutually agreed upon genetic counseling agenda with the client.
• Students will be able to elicit an appropriate and inclusive family history, social and psychosocial history.
• Students will be able to convey genetic, medical, and technical information including, but not limited to, diagnosis, etiology, natural history, prognosis, and treatment/management of genetic conditions and/or birth defects to clients with a variety of educational, socioeconomic, and ethnocultural backgrounds. Can explain the technical and medical aspects of diagnostic and screening methods and reproductive options including associated risks, benefits, and limitations.
• Students will be able to understand, listen, communicate, and manage a genetic counseling case in a culturally responsive manner.
• Students will be able to document and present case information clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, as appropriate to the audience.
• Students will be able to plan, organize, and conduct public and professional education programs on human genetics, patient care, and genetic counseling issues.
• Students will be able to assess and calculate genetic and teratogenic risks.
• Students will be able to identify, synthesize, organize and summarize pertinent medical and genetic information for use in genetic counseling.
• Students will be able to demonstrate successful case management skills. Can assess client understanding and response to information and its implications to modify a counseling session as needed.
• Students will be able to identify and access local, regional, and national resources and services.
• Students will be able to identify and access information resources pertinent to clinical genetics and counseling.
• Students will be able to: Establish rapport, identify major concerns, and respond to emerging issues of a client or family; Elicit and interpret individual and family experiences, behaviors, emotions, perceptions, and attitudes that clarify beliefs and values; Use a range of interviewing techniques, Provide short-term, client-centered counseling and psychological support; promote client decision-making in an unbiased, non-coercive manner; Establish and maintain inter- and interdisciplinary professional relationships to function as part of a health-care delivery team.
• Students will be able to act in accordance with the ethical, legal, and philosophical principles and values of the profession.
• Students will be able to serve as an advocate for clients.
• Students will be able to introduce research options and issues to clients and families.
• Students will be able to recognize his or her own limitations in knowledge and capabilities regarding medical, psychosocial, and ethnocultural issues and seek consultation or refer clients when needed. Students will be able to demonstrate initiative for continued professional growth.