Master of Genetic Counselling (M. Gen Couns)
2years (Full- time)
Graduate Diploma in Genetic Counselling (Grad Dip Gen Couns)
1 year (Full-time)
Genetic Counsellors
Genetic counsellors work in a multidisciplinary team with clinical geneticists, nurses, social workers, dietitians, communicating complex genetic information to individuals and families to facilitate decision making. Genetic counsellors are employed in clinical genetics units and work in many areas including: cancer genetics, predictive testing, paediatric genetics, prenatal genetics, adult genetics. Genetic counsellors increasingly are involved in qualitative and quantitative clinical genetic research.
The Master of Genetic Counselling constitutes the professional qualification for entry into employment as an associate genetic counsellor, and for Part 1 certification, awarded through the Board of Censors in Genetic Counselling (Human Genetics Society of Australasia).
The 2 year Master of Genetic Counselling is designed to build and increase skills and breadth in clinical practice and research, utilizing the expertise of tutors who are clinicians, genetic counsellors, scientists, people with a disability and community members. The Masters is taught within the clinical genetics service Genetic Health at the Royal Childrens Hospital Parkville Victoria. Students are encouraged to attend educational activities within Genetic Health including seminars, clinic meetings and journal club.
The existing Graduate Diploma, established in 1996, is a successful 1 year program and is an exit point after 1 year of study in the Masters.
Internationally, genetic counselling is taught within a 2 year clinical Masters. The Masters program aims to increase research and employment opportunities for graduates through developing reciprocity with other countries. With well established links to overseas training programs (Manchester University MS, University of South Carolina, Transnational Alliance of Genetic Counselors(TAGC)) there are international opportunities for students, through an active exchange program for clinical placements and research collaborations. Past graduates are employed throughout the world –including in Singapore, Malaysia, New Zealand. It is expected that graduates of the Melbourne Masters will be eligible to register to practise as genetic counsellors in the UK and Canada, further increasing employment opportunities.
Career enhancement
The Masters can provide students with the knowledge and skills in both genetics and counselling which can enhance their existing career or be applied in careers other than genetic counselling including research skills, IVF counselling.
Course Description
The Master of Genetic Counselling will fulfil the requirements for certification and employment as a genetic counsellor in Australia and reciprocity with training overseas. The program teaches counselling skills, research skills and clinical genetics knowledge in small interactive student groups. Problem Based Learning is one mode of teaching in the genetics tutorials. This mode of teaching facilitates independent learning which equips the student to continue to develop professionally throughout their career. Students will complete a minor thesis with supervision, and have extensive counselling skills practice in varied clinical genetics and community settings. Assessment tasks mirror the skills needed in genetic counselling practice and for professional certification by the HGSA(Part 2)
Teaching staff are primarily practicising genetic counsellors, scientists and clinicians within the clinical genetics service.
Course Structure
Special Features
- Small interactive group tutorials with modified PBL.
- Acquisition of applied counselling skills, reflective practice, and social and ethical aspects of genetics.
- Placements prepare students for practice through contact with people who have /are at risk of genetic conditions and their families. Skills of communication and counselling are developed. Placements are within clinical genetics units and the community with supervision by experienced professionals.
- Research skills are developed within a supervised clinical framework.
Entry Requirements
Applications from graduates of an approved University with a cognate subject in genetics are eligible to apply. Applicants from other disciplines will be considered.
Preference is given to applicants who have a demonstrated relevant volunteer or work experience in fields including disability, support networks, counselling helplines.
Selection of applicants will be by interview, held after short–listing by the course coordinators.
Margaret Sahhar-Coordinator
Ph:
61 3 8341 6256
E:
margaret.sahhar@ghsv.org.au
Clara Gaff-Research Coordinator
Ph:
61 3 8341 6241
E:
clara.gaff@ghsv.org.au
Samantha Wake – Coordinator genetics
Ph:
61 3 8341 6201
Lisette Curnow-Coordinator genetics
Ph:
61 3 8341 6250
E:
lisette.curnow@ghsv.org.au
Interested in the Masters?
Got a question about the Masters?
Questions about the Masters of Genetic Counselling should be directed to the Course coordinator on +61 3 8341 6256 or at: margaret.sahhar@ghsv.org.au
Staff and students
Staff and students