M.S. Genetic Counseling Curriculum
Semester Curriculum
The Genetic Counseling Program is 56 credits and five semesters of rewarding graduate training at the highest level of excellence. The program coursework adheres to the university's academic calendar, while fieldwork rotations might be arranged on dates beyond the regular calendar schedule.Fieldwork Rotations
In the Summer of Year 1, Fieldwork Rotations begin and continue into the Fall and Spring of Year 2. The fieldwork rotations include three 8-week core rotations (pediatric/general genetics, prenatal and cancer) and two ~4-week elective rotations. The core rotations occur at ACGC-approved sites, most of which are at one of the Ochsner Medical Center (OMC) locations (Main Campus, Baptist, Baton Rouge, St. Tammany) that are within the New Orleans metro area or ~1-hour drive. We make every effort to avoid students having the extra expense of traveling to and finding housing for required rotations. However, this may be unavoidable depending on the fieldwork rotation site schedule, the program schedule, and a student's schedule. Many of the elective rotations are remote through telehealth.
Capstone Research Project
Each student must complete a capstone research project (CRP) in their graduate training. The CRP introduces students to the research process and provides them with skills to contribute to the field of genetic counseling. Students will identify a unique research question, submit it to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for approval or exemption, collect original data and summarize the findings in a summative manuscript. They will also present their work to the department and invited guests and will be encouraged to publish their findings.Academic Graduation Requirements
- Successful completion of all coursework, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a grade of “B” or higher in all courses with letter grades (or pass if the course is on a pass/fail basis; or satisfactory if the course is satisfactory/unsatisfactory). Students may only retake up to two courses if they fail on the first attempt.
- Passing each fieldwork rotation at ACGC-approved sites with satisfactory evaluations from clinical supervisors and a completed ABMG logbook of at least 50 participatory cases.
- Demonstrate a high level of proficiency with the Practiced-Based Competencies.
- Successful completion of a Capstone Research Project and presentation.
- Successful completion of an oral comprehensive examination.
- Attendance at all journal clubs, seminars and other program activities unless the student has been given an excused absence.