COPH Department: Global Health
Concentration: Genetic Counseling (Code: GTC)        

The Graduate Program in Genetic Counseling received new program accreditation status by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC) in October of 2016 and is currently accepting applications. During a competitive admissions process, select students will be invited to an in-person interview in February or March 2017. For full consideration students must submit their application by January 30th, 2017.

The University of South Florida (USF) is proud to offer the first and only accredited Genetic Counseling Graduate Program in the state of Florida. Our program includes a unique combination of training in medical genetics/genomics, public health, and communication and counseling skills. Students of this program will gain the technical knowledge and clinical skills needed to compete in the rapidly growing field of genetic counseling and the emerging field of precision medicine. The program is a comprehensive, 22-month, full-time program that consists of didactic and skill-based course work, multiple clinical rotations and field experiences beginning in the first semester, independent learning opportunities, and a thesis research requirement. Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive a Master’s of Science in Public Health with a concentration in Genetic Counseling (MSPH-GC) and will be eligible to sit for the national board certification exam that is administered by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC).

Note: This concentration is also part of the Genomics Program.

Program of Study

You should complete your program of study electronically using Archivum at https://usf.appiancloud.com/.

Information on how to use Archivum is available on the Archivum Student Resources page. You may use the program of study links below as a reference.  Note: You may choose a program of study that corresponds to the academic year of your admission or any year thereafter.  Please see the guidelines below.


Program of Study PDF by Year
(for reference)		2016/17



Competencies

Track the Fulfillment of Your Competencies:Your COPH Competencies Database Record

In addition to the overall Master of Science in Public Health degree competencies, Genetic Counseling MSPH graduates will be able to:

  1.  Demonstrate and utilize a depth and breadth of understanding and knowledge of genetics and genomics core concepts and principles
  2.  Integrate knowledge of psychosocial aspects of conditions with a genetic component to promote client well‐being.
  3. Construct relevant, targeted, and comprehensive personal and family histories and pedigrees.
  4. Identify assess, facilitate, and integrate genetic testing options in genetic counseling practice.
  5. Assess individuals’ and relatives probability of conditions with a genetic component or carrier status based on pedigree, test results, and other pertinent information.
  6. Demonstrate the skills necessary to successfully manage a case.
  7. Critically assess the genetic/genomic, medical and social science literature and information.
  8. Establish a mutually agreed upon agenda
  9. Employ active listening and interviewing skills to identify, assess and empathically respond to stated and emerging concerns.
  10. Use a range of counseling skills and models to facilitate informed decision‐making and adaptation to risks/conditions.
  11. Promote client‐centered, informed, non‐coercive and value‐based decision making.
  12. Understand how to adapt genetic counseling skills for varied service delivery models
  13. Apply genetic counseling skills in a culturally responsive and respectful manner to all clients
  14. Effectively educate clients about a wide range of genetics and genomics information based on their needs, their characteristics, and the circumstances of the encounter
  15. Write concise and understandable clinical and scientific information for audiences of varying educational backgrounds
  16. Effectively give a presentation on genetics, genomics, and genetic counseling issues
  17. Act in accordance with ethical, legal, and philosophical principles and values of the genetic counseling profession and the policies of one’s institution or organization
  18. Demonstrate understanding of the research process.
  19. Advocate for individuals, families, communities, and the profession
  20. Demonstrate a self‐reflective, evidence‐based and current approach to genetic counseling practice
  21. Understand the methods, roles, and responsibilities of the process of clinical supervision of trainees
  22. Establish and maintain professional inter‐disciplinary relationships in both team and one‐on‐ one settings, and recognize one’s role in the larger healthcare system