More about the Genetic Counseling Program...

Objectives:

The program prepares students for genetic counseling careers, including preparation for the certification examination conducted by the American Board of Genetic Counseling. The program has a balanced approach, with didactic and experiential training in each of the primary areas of genetics, medicine and counseling. Graduates will have a clear understanding of:

• Human Genetics
• Biochemical Genetics
• Cytogenetics
• Molecular Diagnostics
• Treatment of Genetic Disorders
• Dysmorphology
• Normal and Atypical Development
• Principles and Practice of Genetic Counseling
• Cultural Differences
• Ethical, Legal and Social Issues
• Research Methods

There is an emphasis on developing an empathetic, effective and professional demeanor, and the ability to work well as a member of a genetics services team. Current journal articles in counseling, human genetics and medicine form an integral part of the curriculum. Students develop skills for searching current literature, the World Wide Web, and accessing other resources in health care and counseling systems, and in the community.  Formal presentation of cases and of current research in human genetics is required.  Writing skills are emphasized in order to encourage grant-writing and publication by genetic counseling professionals. Participation in professional meetings is strongly encouraged.

Clinical Rotations:

In addition to coursework and clinical training, students in the Genetic Counseling Program have laboratory rotations in a clinical cytogenetics laboratory and a clinical molecular diagnostics laboratory.  Students attend quarterly regional genetic counseling symposia, an in-depth seminar in assisting others through bereavement, and weekly Colloquia in Medical Genetics at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Students attend courses for each of four semesters, and commence clinical rotations in the spring semester of their first year. Clinical training continues through the summer between the first and second years of the program, and is associated with a summer course.  Clinical training sites include various Kaiser Permanente Medical Centers, the University of California at Los Angeles, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Alfigen/The Genetics Institute, The Genetics Center and Children's Hospital of Orange County, City of Hope, Los Angeles County Hospital, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, and the USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The Campus:

California State University, Northridge is a member of the 23-campus California State University system and is one of the largest institutions of higher learning in California. Founded in 1958, it is situated on 353 acres in the north end of the San Fernando Valley. The campus is dedicated to learning through teaching and research, to preparing men and women for professional careers and encouraging creative activities in a wide variety of disciplines. Courses in the Genetic Counseling Program are taught by faculty in several departments: Biology, Educational Psychology and Counseling, and Special Education, as well as by local practicing genetic counselors, geneticists and medical professionals. The campus offers unique resources for our students, such as the large Center for Deaf Studies (California State University, Northridge has the second-largest population of deaf college students in the nation), and the Departments of Chicano Studies, Pan African Studies and Asian American Studies. The greater Los Angeles area is a major medical and academic center. Its numerous research centers, universities, hospitals and private medical clinics offer a variety of training opportunities to our students.

Accreditation:

Currently the Program is on probationary status, which has allowed us to make numerous positive changes. As defined by the ABGC probationary accreditation indicates that, while the program continues to have accredited status, it does not meet the minimum standards for providing educational and clinical training for students and has generalized problems that appear to interfere with optimal education of the candidates. We anticipate receiving full accreditation status when the Program is re-evaluated in 2009.