Overview
The Master of Science in Genetic Counseling Program develops future genetic counselors who are innovative, adaptive, and compassionate experts committed to making a difference in the lives of others both nationally and internationally. The program faculty are experts in teaching, scholarship and service to the profession.
Mission of the Program
The mission of the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling Program is to produce competent genetic counselors by providing rigorous, forward-thinking training through education, research and a diverse clinical experiences.
We accomplish this by doing the following:
- Offer students a rigorous, innovative, and contemporary education/training.
- Contribute to patient-centered genetic counseling both in person and via telegenetics.
- Contribute new knowledge to the profession through research and scholarship.
- Advocate for and serving our communities, patients and profession.
Core Values of the Program
- Integrity
- Respect
- Diversity
- Inclusion
- Teamwork
- Creativity
- Excellence
- Advocacy
- Empathy
- Community
Features of the Program
The Master of Science in Genetic Counseling Program is a full-time day program that consists of four fall and spring semesters with one intervening summer semester session.
The program stands apart from other genetic counseling programs in a few important ways.
First, students learn how to provide genetic counseling over interactive video (telemedicine) through the internationally renowned the UAMS Institute for Digital Health & Innovation High-Risk Pregnancy Program — formerly called “ANGELS.”
Second, the majority of our courses are blended in that they provide live instruction along with complementary online components. None of our courses are provided solely online.
Third, some students spend their second year of graduate school at one of our satellite sites. Students at a satellite site join their classes via interactive video but complete their clinical training at the satellite site.
Other features of the program include:
- Clinical Skills Center that uses standardized patients (patient actors) for video-taped role plays;
- Service-learning;
- Interprofessional education;
- Faculty and guest lecturers from across the United States;
- Diverse research opportunities;
- Clinical training that is based on a developmental progression, (novice, intermediate, and advanced skills).
Graduates of the UAMS program are competitive in the marketplace. Alumni are working in diverse settings and 100% of employers surveyed state that they would hire another UAMS graduate (Employer Survey, 2015).
Program Tracks
Students in the program can live in various locations. Applicants can be matched to three program tracks.
For complete information about the three tracks and how they compare and contrast, download this guide.
Track One
The first and second year of this track are completed at the main UAMS campus in Little Rock, Arkansas. The intervening summer consists of clinical rotations that students can do outside of Arkansas.
Two students can be matched to Track One.
Track Two
The first and second year of this track are completed at the UAMS Northwest Regional Campus in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The intervening summer consists of clinical rotations that students can do outside of Arkansas.
Three students can be matched to Track Two.
Track Three
The first year of this track is completed at the main UAMS campus in Little Rock, Arkansas. The second year of this track is completed in Louisville, Kentucky, for clinical training while joining UAMS classes by interactive video. The intervening summer consists of clinical rotations that students can do outside of Arkansas.
Two students can be matched to Track Three.
Program Enrollment
The Master of Science in Genetic Counseling Program enrolls one cohort of eight students beginning each fall semester.
Licensure and Certification
Students who successfully complete the program will be eligible for the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) certification examination.
Graduates are responsible for preparing for the examination, as completion of the program alone does not ensure certification. Graduates are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the applicable certification and licensing requirements for the state in which they wish to work.
Successful completion of the program does not itself ensure licensure and/or certification. It is the student’s responsibility to be familiar with state licensure and national certification requirements.