Genetic Counseling

Overview

About the Program

Our goal is to train genetic counseling professionals who have developed the practice-based competencies that an entry-level provider must demonstrate to successfully practice as a genetic counselor, in a culturally responsive and respectful manner across practice settings and with all clients.

The Genetic Counseling program of the University of California, Irvine (UCI) is based in the clinical Division of Genetic and Genomic Medicine at the Medical Center in Orange, about 15 miles from the main university campus in Irvine. A distinguishing characteristic of the program is its integration within an active clinical genetics unit, where 17 faculty genetic counselors and medical geneticists provide service to a wide variety of patients and families. From their first quarter of graduate study, students participate in a wide range of clinics where they learn to apply the skills and knowledge learned through academic coursework.

Our program is a two-year, full-time graduate program that operates on a quarter system. We typically admit and graduate between six and eight students each year. Our attrition rate for the past three years is 4%. The class size is intentionally small to maximize the opportunity for trainees to closely interact with our faculty members in and out of the classroom and clinic.

Most classes, clinics and rounds are held at the UCI Medical Center in Orange or the nearby CHOC Children's Hospital of Orange County (see map) and Miller Children's Hospital in Long Beach. Some courses and clinics also take place on the main campus in Irvine. Additional opportunities exist at various affiliated clinics and laboratory sites throughout Southern California, including St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton, the Cancer Genetics Program at St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, Kaiser Permanente, City of Hope in Duarte, and others. Students also have the opportunity to tailor internships and summer placements that enhance their training experience.