Introductory Practicum in Genetic Counseling

What you’ll be able to do

• Demonstrate and utilize a depth and breadth of understanding and knowledge of genetics and genomics core concepts and principles.

• Integrate knowledge of psychosocial aspects of conditions with a genetic component to promote client well-being.

• Construct relevant, targeted and comprehensive personal and family histories and pedigrees.

• Identify, assess, order, facilitate, and integrate genetic/genomic testing options in genetic counseling practice (including molecular and non-molecular testing that directly impacts assessment of inherited risk).

• Assess individuals’ and their relatives’ probability of conditions with a genetic component or carrier status based on their pedigree, test result(s), and other pertinent information.

• Demonstrate the skills necessary to success¬fully manage a genetic counseling case.

• Critically assess genetic/genomic, medical and social science literature and information.

• Establish a mutually agreed upon genetic counseling agenda with the client.

• Employ active listening and interviewing skills to identify, assess, and empathically respond to stated and emerging concerns.

• Use a range of genetic counseling skills and models to facilitate informed decision-making and adaptation to genetic risks or conditions.

• Promote client-centered, informed, noncoercive and value-based decision-making.

• Demonstrate understanding of how to adapt genetic counseling skills for varied service delivery models.

• Apply genetic counseling skills in a culturally responsive and respectful manner to all clients.

• Effectively educate clients about a wide range of genetics and genomics information based on their needs, their characteristics and the circumstances of the encounter.

• Write concise and understandable clinical and scientific information for audiences of varying educational backgrounds.

• Effectively give a presentation on genetics, genomics and genetic counseling issues.

• Act in accordance with the ethical, legal and philosophical principles and values of the genetic counseling profession and the policies of one’s institution or organization.

• Demonstrate understanding of the research process.

• Advocate for individuals, families, communities and the genetic counseling profession.

• Demonstrate a self-reflective, evidenced-based and current approach to genetic counseling practice.

• Demonstrate understanding of the methods, roles and responsibilities of the process of clinical supervision of trainees.

• Establish and maintain professional interdisciplinary relationships in both team and one-on-one settings, and recognize one’s role in the larger healthcare system.

Source: UW Guide