Program Overview

Introduction to the University of Texas Genetic Counseling Program

The University of Texas Genetic Counseling Program (UTGCP) is a two-year specialized Master of Science training program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling. The program is administered through the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in association with the Division of Medical Genetics in the Department of Pediatrics at the McGovern Medical School.

Program Overview

The UTGCP excels in the training of versatile genetic counselors by facilitating competency-based learning, supporting personalized growth, and immersing students in the depth and breadth of genetic counseling practice. The program's vision is to be the leader in the education of genetic counseling students who support and advance genetics in healthcare.

Curriculum

• Academic Course Work: Genetic counseling students take didactic classes in the areas of human genetics, prenatal genetics, cancer genetics, statistics and research methodology, developmental biology, and ethics.
• Clinical Rotations: Clinical rotations begin in the spring of the first year and become the main focus of the second year.
• Thesis Research: Thesis research also features prominently in the second year of study.

Training Progression

The program timeline includes responsibilities for coursework, clinical rotations, thesis, and additional ancillary events.

• First Year:
  • Fall Semester: Didactic courses, including Intro to Genetic Counseling, Psychosocial Issues in Genetic Counseling I, Topics in Medical Genetics I, Prenatal Genetic Counseling, Cancer Genetic Counseling, Embryology, and Biomedical Ethics for the Genetic Counselor.
  • Spring Semester: Didactic courses, including Topics in Medical Genetics II, Psychosocial Issues in Genetic Counseling II, and Approaches to Research I. Introductory rotations commence.
  • Summer: Laboratory rotation and a 5-week rotation of the student's choosing.
• Second Year:
  • Fall Semester: Courses including Approaches to Research II and Contemporary Issues in Genetic Counseling I. Advanced rotations begin.
  • Spring Semester: Courses including Contemporary Issues in Genetic Counseling II and Psychosocial Practicum. Supplemental rotation and thesis defense.

Clinical Rotations

The UTGCP offers a breadth and depth of clinical exposures in the genetic counseling arena, with patients from diverse backgrounds.

• Rotation Format:
  • Introductory Rotations: Students see patients 2 days per week in prenatal, cancer, and medical genetics blocks.
  • Summer Rotation: A 5-week, full-time rotation that may occur in Houston or elsewhere, including a laboratory rotation.
  • Advanced Rotations: Students rotate through prenatal, cancer, and medical genetics for 6 weeks each, focusing on advanced psychosocial skills and indications.
  • Supplemental Rotation: Two 3-week experiences to supplement training in an area of interest.

Rotation Sites

• Prenatal: Affiliated institutions include UTHealth Maternal Fetal Medicine clinics and The Fetal Center at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital.
• Cancer: Affiliated institutions include UT MD Anderson Cancer Center and UT Physicians Cancer Center.
• Medical Genetics: Specialty clinics within UT Physicians, Memorial Hermann Hospital, and Shriners Hospital for Children.

Thesis Projects

Students propose and complete a clinically-oriented or laboratory-based research question, including study design, data collection, analysis, and a written thesis. Over 75% of thesis projects have been presented at national meetings, and 65% published in peer-reviewed journals.

Mission, Vision, and Strategic Plan

• Vision: The UTGCP is the leader in the education of genetic counseling students who support and advance genetics in healthcare.
• Mission: The UTGCP excels in the training of versatile genetic counselors by facilitating competency-based learning, supporting personalized growth, and immersing students in the depth and breadth of genetic counseling practice.
• Strategic Plan: Ensure graduates are prepared for the evolving genetic counseling field, graduate a diverse student body, and evaluate opportunities for new revenue sources to support faculty and students.

Admissions

• Application Requirements: GPA of 3.0 or greater, undergraduate or graduate coursework in genetics, psychology, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, calculus, and statistics.
• Application Timeline: Application deadline is December 1st, with interview notifications by early February and match notifications on April 15.
• Required Components: Three letters of recommendation, genetic counseling exposure, client advocacy experience, and essays.

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

• Tuition: In-state tuition is approximately $15,086, and out-of-state tuition is approximately $33,311.
• Scholarships: Up to 6 scholarships are available, each worth $1000, with the potential for in-state tuition for out-of-state students.
• Financial Aid: Offered through the UTHealth Office of Student Financial Aid, with applications recommended by March 1.