The Master of Genetic Counselor Studies Program at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health educates students to become competent and compassionate genetic counselors who will be lifelong learners and leaders in the field.
Our training program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling and with the first class of genetic counselors starting in 1976, it is one of the most experienced programs in the United States.
Visit our webpage for more information about the Genetic Counseling Program and our Mission.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate and utilize a depth and breadth of understanding and knowledge of genetics and genomics core concepts and principles.
- Integrate knowledge of psychosocial aspects of conditions with a genetic component to promote client well-being.
- Construct relevant, targeted and comprehensive personal and family histories and pedigrees.
- Identify, assess, facilitate, and integrate genetic testing options in genetic counseling practice.
- Assess individuals’ and their relatives’ probability of conditions with a genetic component or carrier status based on their pedigree, test result(s), and other pertinent information.
- Demonstrate the skills necessary to successfully manage a genetic counseling case.
- Critically assess genetic/genomic, medical and social science literature and information.
- Establish a mutually agreed upon genetic counseling agenda with the client.
- Employ active listening and interviewing skills to identify, assess, and empathically respond to stated and emerging concerns.
- Use a range of genetic counseling skills and models to facilitate informed decision‐making and adaptation to genetic risks or conditions.
- Promote client-centered, informed, non‐coercive and value-based decision-making.
- Understand how to adapt genetic counseling skills for varied service delivery models.
- Apply genetic counseling skills in a culturally responsive and respectful manner to all clients.
- Effectively educate clients about a wide range of genetics and genomics information based on their needs, their characteristics and the circumstances of the encounter.
- Write concise and understandable clinical and scientific information for audiences of varying educational backgrounds.
- Effectively give a presentation on genetics, genomics and genetic counseling issues.
- Demonstrate understanding of the research process.
- Understand the methods, roles and responsibilities of the process of clinical supervision of trainees.
- Act in accordance with the ethical, legal and philosophical principles and values of the genetic counseling profession and the policies of one’s institution or organization.
- Advocate for individuals, families, communities and the genetic counseling profession.
- Demonstrate a self‐reflective, evidenced‐based and current approach to genetic counseling practice.
- Establish and maintain professional interdisciplinary relationships in both team and one-on‐one settings, and recognize one’s role in the larger healthcare system.
Certification/Licensure
Professional Certification/Licensure Disclosure (NC-SARA)
The United States Department of Education (via 34 CFR Part 668) requires institutions that provide distance education to disclose information for programs leading to professional certification or licensure. The expectation is that institutions will determine whether each applicable academic program meets state professional licensure requirements and provide a general disclosure of such on an official university website.
Professional licensure requirements vary from state-to-state and can change year-to-year; they are established in a variety of state statutes, regulations, rules, and policies; and they center on a range of educational requirements, including degree type, specialized accreditation, total credits, specific courses, and examinations.
UW-Madison has taken reasonable efforts to determine whether this program satisfies the educational requirements for certification/licensure in states where prospective and enrolled students are located and is disclosing that information as follows.
Disclaimer: This information is based on the most recent annual review of state agency certification/licensure data and is subject to change. All students are strongly encouraged to consult with the individual/office listed in the Contact Information box on this page and with the applicable state agency for specific information.
The requirements of this program meet certification/licensure requirements in the following states:
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, District of Columbia
The requirements of this program do not meet certification/licensure requirements in the following states:
Not applicable
Updated: 1 June 2024
Accreditation
Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling
Accreditation Status: Accredited. Next Accreditation Review: 2028.