Program Description
The University of Utah offers a two-year masters degree program in Genetic Counseling and teaches competencies preparing students to take the American Board of Genetic Counseling certification examination. The Program integrates coursework, clinical rotations, supplementary activities and an independent research project.
The Program is housed in the School of Medicine and is an interdisciplinary collaboration between the Departments of Human Genetics, Pediatrics, Cardiology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ophthalmology and Huntsman Cancer Institute, with participation from Intermountain Healthcare Hospitals, George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Utah State Department of Health, ARUP Laboratories, Lineagen and Myriad Genetics.
Students obtain basic psychosocial skills in two courses offered by other departments. All of the other courses have been developed and tailored for the genetic counseling students. The University of Utah and many of the participating program faculty have achieved regional, national and international reputations in genetics.
The Program strives to prepare genetic counselors for careers in clinical and research practice by developing proficiency in the American Board of Genetic Counseling Practice-Based Competencies (http://www.abgc.net/docs/Practice%20Based%20Competencies_Aug%202006%2010-29-09.pdf). The University of Utah Graduate Program in Genetic Counseling has been awarded full accreditation from the ABGC.
Mission Statement
We are a visionary, integrated team of clinicians, scientists, and educators dedicated to establishing excellence in tomorrow's genetic counselors.
We accomplish this by:
- Providing current information using diverse educational techniques
- Fostering professionalism in accordance with the NSGC Code of Ethics
- Building outstanding skills in communication, scholarship, research, and life-long learning.