447:488 Genetic Counseling Rotation

Important notice: This course is restricted to Department of Genetics students and counts as 3 research credits for the Genetics major and can only be taken once. The other three required research credits may be fulfilled with a related Advanced Independent Study Project or a 3 credit research project with a faculty member or in the Rutgers University Cell and DNA Repository (RUCDR). This course is required for the Genetic Counseling Certificate Program.

---

Offered

Fall, Spring, Summer

Credits

3

Prerequisites

a. Undergraduate student in Department of Genetics

b. Have a minimum 2.8 GPA

c. Application essay

d. Application interview with Dr. Gary Heiman

e. Have completed the Rutgers University Human Subjects Certification (IRB)

2) Placement requirements- Each rotation placement has its own requirements and the student may be required to pay any charges. Depending on the rotation, these can include:

a. Pass a 5-panel drug screen (paid by student)

b. Pass a Criminal background check (paid by student)- required by Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)

c. Completed the hospital orientation manual (self-study) and passed the quiz.

d. Proof of immunization and physical exam (obtained from Hurtado)

Course Description

The goal of this course is to provide students with an understanding of the genetic counseling career. To make the experience worthwhile for the student, we expect the student to commit a sizable amount of time to the Genetic Counseling Rotation course. Genetic Counseling Rotation is not, and should not, be an easy A. Students will be placed at a local Genetics Counseling clinic to shadow a genetic counselor for one semester. They are expected to spend at least 8 hours a week at the rotation. At the clinic, the student will observe genetic counseling sessions, observe the genetic counselor's role in coordination of care and follow-up with patients and physicians, perform literature searches and research availability of genetic testing, and research studies and patient literature. In addition, students will attend a weekly meeting with the course instructor. At the weekly meetings, the instructor will discuss the Genetic Counseling career and application to the master-level programs. Students will also discuss cases that they observed that their rotation.

Course URL

http://genetics.rutgers.edu/?page=students/course_details&id=44

Course satisfies Learning Goals

At the end of the program students will:

1. understand Genetic Counseling as a profession

2. understand application requirements for masters-level programs

3. gain experience in a clinical Genetic Counseling clinic

Exams, Assignments, and Grading Policy

The course grade will be based on one case presentation to Genetic Counseling group and 10 Genetic Counseling case summary logs reviewed by Dr. Heiman. To download case log template, click here.

Course Materials

None

Course Closed?

Special permission required. To obtain special permission, students must first complete the departmental guidelines (see above), and if accepted, then complete the placement requirements.

Faculty

Dr. Gary Heiman
LSB 125
Phone: 732-445-1027 ext 40033
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

---

** All information is subject to change at the discretion of the course coordinator.