Genetic Counseling Department

Mission Statement:

 

The Master of Science Genetic Counseling Program at the MGH Institute of Health Professions prepares genetic counselors to be leaders: of interprofessoinal teams, in the field of genetics and genomics, and in advancing justice, equity, and inclusion in health care. Outstanding clinical and non-clinical fieldwork experiences, expansive research opportunities, dedicated faculty, and an active-learning curriculum create an engaging learning environment that equips genetic counseling students to: provide exemplary, competent, and compassionate patient care; recognize and attend to the needs of their clients; effectively communicate complex genetic information; and advance genomics research.

 

 

Program Goals:

The Master of Science in Genetic Counseling Program will:

  1. Educate skilled, knowledgeable, and compassionate genetic counselors who will contribute to high quality health care for a diverse society and who will provide leadership in genetics.
  2. Recruit and admit students who reflect a diversity of backgrounds and identities, and who will contribute to the provision of culturally humble care while promoting access to healthcare.
  3. Provide a curriculum that reflects contemporary knowledge, a commitment to critical inquiry and social justice, life-long learning, evidence-based practice, and engagement in active learning.
  4. Provide leadership in the development of innovative clinical education models to support the practice of genetic counseling.
  5. Foster scholarship in genetics and genomics for faculty and students through research collaborations, mentorship, and dissemination of Capstone projects.
  6. Model collaborations with providers and researchers from different institutions within and external to Mass General Brigham, matching the collaborative nature of the genetics field. 
  7. Advance a philosophy of respect for all individuals, social justice in health care, and the provision of excellent patient-centered care.

 

 

Program Objectives:

 

MGH Institute Genetic Counseling graduate students will:

 

  1. Demonstrate competency and effective communication in the delivery of evidence-based genetic counseling services to patients/clients throughout the lifespan.
  2. Establish strong interprofessional relationships to support the provision of inclusive, client-centered, team-based care.
  3. Demonstrate social justice responsibility, serve as advocates, and develop skills to influence public policy to improve genetic counseling services and quality healthcare.
  4. Serve a diverse society and address the healthcare needs of communities and individuals of various backgrounds with cultural humility and sensitivity.
  5. Participate in scholarship that contributes to the body of knowledge in genetics and genomics.
  6. Commit to lifelong learning and leadership in the field through participation in professional and interprofessional development activities.
  7. Adhere to the Code of Ethics of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC).
  8. Successfully practice and demonstrate the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC) Practice Based Competencies.
  9. Achieve Board certification by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC).