25. Goals for Fieldwork
The GC Program Fieldwork Team’s goal is to coordinate, foster, and oversee an optimal fieldwork education experience, ultimately preparing students for certification and professional practice. A Professional Development Plan including goals is developed for each rotation. Regular check-ins with the supervisor are recommended to determine if the student is on track to meet the established goals. Formal evaluations occur at the midpoint and end of the rotation. Specific learning objectives for fieldwork rotations include:
- Obtain a variety of experiences in the prenatal, pediatric, general, and cancer genetics clinical settings, as well as in non-clinical (or combination) settings.
- Value both clinical and non-clinical genetic counseling positions and the roles of other healthcare providers.
- Develop patient contact skills in prenatal, pediatric, adult, cancer, and specialty clinics.
- Participate in the transition from observation to active participation in genetic counseling sessions.
- Foster professional growth as a knowledgeable, skilled, and motivated genetic counselor.
- Develop counseling, communication/education, and management skills.
- Demonstrate proficiency in all Practice-Based Competencies as outlined by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC) in order to manage a genetic counseling case before, during, and after the clinic visit or session. PBC categories include: a) Genetic Expertise and Analysis, b) Interpersonal, Psychosocial and Counseling Skills, c) Education, and d) Professional Development & Practice.