Master of Science
Genetic Counseling Program
Obstetrics and Gynecology at School of Medicine
Genetic Counselors are specialized
health professionals who counsel individuals and families about genetic
disease and birth defects. The counselor has initial contact with families
and acts as case manager and liaison to the health care team throughout
the evaluation process. Genetic counselors work with patients from varied
sociocultural and educational backgrounds to obtain family history, assess
psychosocial status, explain the ramifications of disorders, and provide
support to assist in adjustment to the physical and emotional burdens of
genetic diagnosis. Additionally, genetic counselors provide education to
practicing professionals, health care students, and lay groups. Program
administration, the development of new services, teaching, and research
activities are often encompassed within the career.
Specifics about USC's Program:
The USC Genetic Counseling Program began
in 1985. One of 25 programs in the United States, it was the first
program in the southeastern region. In 1991, the program received a rare
"Commendation for Excellence" during the South Carolina Commission of
Higher Education's review, citing program strengths which include: an
enthusiastic faculty,
Master of Science thesis
research, and students who have proven to be professionally active after
graduation. In 1998 the Commission awarded the program its second
commendation for excellence.
Six to eight students are accepted each
year from an applicant pool of approximately 80-100. Since 1985,
over 130 genetic counselors have graduated from the program. Over
half of the practicing graduates are serving in the southeast. The
Program received full accreditation from the American Board of Genetic
Counseling in 2000 and reaccreditation in 2006.
This is a two year program that includes course
work, clinical
rotations, and a research-based thesis. Based in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Program
is one of several health professional degrees offered in the School of
Medicine.
For specific information about applying to
this program, click here
For more information about the
field of genetic counseling, please see the National Society of Genetic Counselors
(NSGC) website. |
