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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Provide leadership in the development of innovative clinical education models to support the practice of genetic counseling.
- Foster scholarship in genetics and genomics for faculty and students through research collaborations, mentorship, and dissemination of Capstone projects.
- Model collaborations with providers and researchers from different institutions within and external to Mass General Brigham, matching the collaborative nature of the genetics field.
- 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:
- Demonstrate competency and effective communication in the delivery of evidence-based genetic counseling services to patients/clients throughout the lifespan.
- Establish strong interprofessional relationships to support the provision of inclusive, client-centered, team-based care.
- Demonstrate social justice responsibility, serve as advocates, and develop skills to influence public policy to improve genetic counseling services and quality healthcare.
- Serve a diverse society and address the healthcare needs of communities and individuals of various backgrounds with cultural humility and sensitivity.
- Participate in scholarship that contributes to the body of knowledge in genetics and genomics.
- Commit to lifelong learning and leadership in the field through participation in professional and interprofessional development activities.
- Adhere to the Code of Ethics of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC).
- Successfully practice and demonstrate the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC) Practice Based Competencies.
- Achieve Board certification by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC).