Our two-year Genetic Counselling program incorporates academic and clinical training to provide students with the most up-to-date skills that facilitate their employment in a variety of engaging work settings
The Department of Molecular Genetics offers a Master of Science Program in Genetic Counselling in collaboration with the Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics in the Department of Paediatrics of the Hospital for Sick Children and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto.
This Program has full accreditation status with the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC). Upon graduation, students are eligible to apply for “Active Candidate” status and to sit both the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) and the Canadian Board of Genetic Counselling (CBGC) certification examinations (see also the National Society of Genetic Counselors and the Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors).
Vision
Our vision is to build an expert genetic counselling community that values diversity and espouses respect and inclusivity in our interactions with each other and our clients.
Mission
We are committed to cultivating genetic counsellors with strong critical thinking and communication skills through innovative course-work, unique experiential learning opportunities, research and mentorship who will serve diverse populations and advance the field of genomics.
Objectives
1. Provide students with a dynamic curriculum and varied fieldwork experiences to develop highly skilled graduates who are culturally responsive, compassionate, collaborative, self-reliant, and adaptable.
2. Prepare students to:
a. employ principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and justice in their interactions with other students, colleagues, faculty, and within patient care, research, and education
b. critically evaluate, analyze and interpret information and data
c. utilize effective counselling skills to support clients from different backgrounds, cultures, identities, and experiences in a variety of clinical settings
d. demonstrate the necessary ACGC Practice-Based competencies for an entry-level genetic counsellor
e. employ strong research skills by completing an independent research project
f. apply skills and knowledge to foster excellence and leadership in diverse professional areas
g. employ the professional code of conduct and ethical values in the discipline and practice of genetic counselling
