Genetic Counseling (MS)
Degree Offered: Master of Science (MS)
Program Leadership:
Adrienne Wakeling, MS, CGC, Program Director
Julie Harris-Wai, PhD, MPH, Research Director
Allyson Scott, MS, CGC, Associate Director
Jason Carmichael, MS, CGC, Assistant Director, Fresno
Admissions Inquiries:
GCProgram@ucsf.edu
Program Description
The Genetic Counseling Program is a full-time, 21-month program of study leading to a Master of Science in Genetic Counseling. This is a program for those who wish to be at the forefront of the genetic counseling profession and harness the potential of genomic medicine to advance healthcare.
The training program consists of three major components: foundational didactic education, clinical training, and research. The didactic curriculum integrates the latest advances in contemporary genetics while maintaining deep roots in humanistic counseling theory and a strong commitment to the ethical application of genomic medicine. Clinical training experiences are available in a variety of campus genetics clinics and laboratories, offering students exposure to the Bay Area's diverse ethnocultural and socioeconomic communities. Partnerships with Bay Area genetics clinics provide students additional clinical training opportunities beyond the campus boundaries. Close proximity to Silicon Valley and a hub of biotechnology companies also provides students opportunities to train at some of the nation's most renowned genetics organizations in the private sector. The research experience is showcased through a scholarly capstone project of the student’s own design. The capstone project provides an opportunity to gain a deep understanding of the research process while contributing to advancements in the field of genetic counseling.
The Genetic Counseling Program also provides a unique and exciting opportunity for one student with a strong interest in community-based practice to complete the second year of clinical training in the Fresno region of California. UCSF extends its training reach to a branch campus at Community Regional Medical Center (CRMC) in Fresno. CRMC is a major tertiary care center providing complex care to the diverse residents of the central San Joaquin Valley. This setting provides immersive clinical experience in an underserved region where access to genetics services can be especially impactful. Located midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Fresno is a major agricultural and regional health care hub, offering exposure to rural health care delivery within a large medical center environment.
The Genetic Counseling Program is primarily based at UCSF's Mission Bay campus.
Faculty
The Genetic Counseling Program faculty is composed of a diverse group of experienced genetics educators from across the UCSF campus. With a strong history of involvement in San Francisco-area genetic counseling programs since the 1970s, UCSF brings decades of expertise to every aspect of the program. From seasoned educators to knowledgeable research mentors and skilled clinical training supervisors, our faculty is dedicated to providing comprehensive training for future genetic counselors. Find a list of current course instructors on the program website.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from the Genetic Counseling Program are prepared to pursue numerous career paths after graduation, including clinical care, private industry, research, advocacy and others. Successful completion of the program will confer eligibility to sit for the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) certification examination.
Admission Requirements
Individuals from all academic backgrounds may apply for admission to the Genetic Counseling Program. The program values diversity and recognizes that students from a broad range of perspectives improves both the practice of health care and the educational experience for everyone. Applicants to the program will need to demonstrate successful completion of the following college-level courses (minimum of one quarter or semester) or their equivalents to ensure adequate foundational knowledge for our curriculum:
- Introductory Genetics (for science majors)
- Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry
- Must include content on structure and function of biomolecules (e.g., nucleic and ribonucleic acids, proteins, lipids)
- Biology (2 quarters/semesters)
- Introductory Statistics or Biostatistics
- Introductory Psychology or Counseling
- Biochemistry is highly recommended
- Cellular and/or Molecular Biology are highly recommended
- Anatomy and/or Physiology are highly recommended
Applicants competitive for admission will also be able to demonstrate a good beginning knowledge of the genetic counseling profession and can clearly articulate how this career path aligns with their personal and professional goals. This type of knowledge is often obtained from direct experience(s) with the genetic counseling profession, experiences in fields that complement genetic counseling and/or research about the field. Examples of ways applicants often achieve a real-life understanding of the profession include, but are not limited to:
- Advocacy or educational experience in a volunteer or paid position involving counseling or social services (e.g., at a crisis intervention center, student health center, family planning clinic, disability services organization, or in roles such as resident advisor or peer counselor).
- Direct contact with genetic counselors, such as interviewing or shadowing practicing genetic counselors. Please note that opportunities for direct patient observation may be limited due to HIPAA (patient confidentiality) regulations. Participation in or observation of genetic counseling–related activities (e.g., case conferences or professional meetings) is also valuable.
- Employment, internship, or volunteer experience in a genetic counseling or genetics-related setting (e.g., a clinic, laboratory, public health organization, or nonprofit advocacy group).
- Attendance at other genetic counseling-related events, such as interest group meetings, conferences, or workshops. Applicants are also encouraged to view and critically reflect on professional development resources, such as the NSGC Master Genetic Counselor series.
Learning Outcomes
The learning outcomes for our program are based on attainment of the Practice Based Competencies (PBCs) established by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC). The PBCs describe 7 practice-based competencies and 25 sub-competencies necessary for practice as an entry-level genetic counselor. The competencies are categorized in the following distinct domains: Genetics and Genomics Expertise, Risk Assessment, Counseling, Communication, Research, Healthcare Systems, and Professional Identity.