Curriculum:
This is a full-time, two-year Master of Science
program. The curriculum is structured so that
most of the course work and clinical lab experience
takes place in the first year while during the second
year, the major focus is on clinical experience.
Required courses must be taken by all students;
however, students may choose from appropriate
electives involving Bioethics, Family Social Service
or other relevant fields reflecting personal interests.
Students must complete a minimum of 240 hours of
genetics laboratory and clinical observation experience
in the first year and a minimum of 800 hours of direct
clinical genetics experience during the second year.
A final oral examination and a research study Plan B
project paper are required for graduation.
YEAR I REQUIRED COURSES:
FALL SEMESTER:
| BIOC 8002 |
Molecular Biology |
3 credits |
| GCD 8912 |
Genetic Counseling in Practice |
4 credits |
| EPSY 5461 |
Cross-Cultural Counseling |
3 credits |
| GCD 8993 |
Directed Study – Clinical/Lab Rotation
(A-F grade base only) |
2 credits |
| Phar 5201 |
Health Sciences Applied Terminology |
2 credits |
| |
Journal Club (syllabus) |
|
SPRING SEMESTER:
| GCD 8073 |
Advanced Human Genetics |
3 credits |
| GCD 8920 |
First Year Special Topics Seminar
(A-F grad base only) (syllabus) |
2 credits |
| Phsl 51001 |
Systems Physiology |
4 credits |
PubH 6040
CSpH 5301 |
Dying & Death in Contemporary Society
or
Cultures, Faith Traditions, & Health Care |
2 credits
2 credits |
| GCD 8994 |
Genetic Counseling Research (S/N) |
1 credit |
| GCD 8993 |
Directed Study – Clinical/Lab Rotation
(A-F grade base only) |
2 credits |
| |
Journal Club (syllabus) |
|
Book/Movie Discussion Class (syllabus)
NOTE: The course Genetic Counseling in Practice (GCD 8912, Fall Semester, Year I) provides the essential skills students need to perform in the clinical setting. All students must earn a satisfactory grade on the final exam for this class in order to continue in the program. This examination will involve a case preparation and the clinical analysis of a case study demonstrated in a role play situation. The student’s performance on this examination will be evaluated by practicing genetic counselors from the program faculty and will be graded Pass/Fail. Students earning a passing grade will be permitted to continue on into the clinical training component of their program. Students not passing this examination will present a plan of study to an academic review committee convened by the program. This committee will consist of the program director, the clinical supervisor for the student’s first clinical rotation and one other genetic counselor who is on faculty for the program. Students will be expected to specify a strategy of how these skills will be gained to the committee. Students not able to demonstrate the necessary for performing in the clinical setting will be dismissed from the program.
YEAR II REQUIRED COURSES:
FALL SEMESTER:
| EPSY 8501 |
Counseling Pre-Practicum |
3 credits |
| GCD 8913 |
Psychosocial Issues in Genetic Counseling |
3 credits |
| GCD 8993 |
Directed Study – Clinical Internship
(A-F grade base only) |
5 credits |
| GCD 8994 |
Research Project Paper (S/N) |
2 credits |
SPRING SEMESTER:
| GCD 8914 |
Ethical & Legal Issues in Genetic Counceling |
3 credits |
| GCD 8993 |
Directed Study – Clinical Internship
(A-F grad base only) |
5 credits |
| GCD 8994 |
Research Project Paper (S/N) |
2 credits |
Students may select 1-2 electives during their second year although this is not necessary for graduation. All students will register for GCD 8993 for 5 credits in each semester. This directed study is the clinical internship rotation and must be taken for a grade (A-F). Grades from the first two rotations will be averaged together and submitted to the student’s transcript at the end of the fall semester and grades from the second two rotations will be averaged together and submitted to the student’s transcript at the end of the spring semester. A grade of A or B is required in each of the four clinical internships in order to complete the clinical component of the program for graduation. Students are expected to complete a minimum of 200 clinical hours per rotation (about 20 hours per week). Final oral exams will be given to all that meet the course and clinical requirements by the spring of the second year. Final oral exams are required for graduation.
Related Clinical Experience:
Students will be required to attend weekly clinic conferences and genetics rounds as related to their rotation participation. Each center will have designated conferences and clinical rounds. Students are encouraged to attend relevant conferences not required by their rotation and seminars and lectures given by University and invited staff. Students are encouraged to participate in clinical projects such as publications and data management. In addition, students will have the opportunity to participate in community service seminars providing educational information to high school students and health professionals.
Second Year Clinical Rotation Placements:
- Abbott Northwestern Hospital Perinatal Center and Virginia Piper Cancer Institute at Abbott Northwestern Hospital
- Centracare Women’s and Children’s clinic in St. Cloud
- University Southdale and Ridges Perinatal Centers
- University Medical Center General Genetics and Familial Cancer Clinics
- University Medical Center Metabolic Diseases and PKU Clinics
- University Medical Center Neuromuscular Diseases, movement disorders, and Coagulation Clinics
- University Medical Center General Genetics, Down syndrome Clinic and Prenatal Diagnosis Center
- Hennepin County Medical Center
- The Mayo Clinic General Genetics Services
- Minneapolis Children’s Hospital and Gillette Hospital
- North Memorial Health Care Center Perinatal Clinic and the Hubert Humphrey Cancer Clinics at North Memorial Health Care Center
- Park Nicollet Medical Center Perinatal and Cancer Clinics
- United Hospital of St. Paul Perinatal Center and General Genetics Service at St. Paul Children’s Hospital
- Unity Hospital Cancer Center.
