The Genetic Counseling Program       


The University of South Carolina Genetic Counseling Program matriculated its first students in 1985, as the 10^th program in the United States and the first in the southeastern region.  Now one of 32 programs in the nation, the Program has reached a level of maturity with over 150 genetic counselors graduated, many of whom are leading the profession today. The core faculty and clinical rotation faculty represent a cadre of seasoned genetics professionals committed to mentoring genetic counseling students in this special dimension of healthcare.

The two year curriculum includes course work, clinical rotations, and a research-based thesis. Students are afforded a wide range of clinical opportunities in prenatal, pediatric and adult settings as well as specialty clinics through our clinical rotation network.  
 

In 1991 and 1998, the Program received rare “Commendation for Excellence” citations from the South Carolina Commission of Higher Education. The Program was awarded American Board of Genetic Counseling accreditation in 2000 and reaccredidation in 2006.

We invite you to explore the University of South Carolina Genetic Counseling Program through this site. Please also visit the National Society of Genetic Counselors and the American Board of Genetic Counseling websites to learn more about the  profession. See also the Oct 17, 2007 article, "DNA Masters" in Nature (Vol 449, 940-941). The future is bright for genetic counselors!
 

USC Genetic Counseling Program
Class of 2008

alumni news & announcements

Outstanding Alumni Award
The Genetic Counseling Program recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of our graduates who are in so many ways, leaders and role models for the genetic counseling profession. In 2001, the first School of Medicine Distinguished Master's Alumnus Award was presented, and since then, nominations are received annually for graduates with exemplary service to our patients and the profession.  Holly Peay, M.S., C.G.C. was presented the 2007 Distinguished Genetic Counselor Alumnus Award during her recent visit to the Program. Click here to read more.

Outstanding Genetic Counselors Award

Genetic Counseling Program Endowment
 

Clinical Rotation Network
Clinical Rotations within the Genetic Counseling Program provide a range of prenatal, pediatric, adult, and specialty clinic experiences required for American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) certification. The student begins the transition from theory to practice during a six-week, full-time summer clinical placement.  Summer rotation can be within our rotation network, at a site near the student's home or at a city the student wishes to explore, or even abroad. During the senior year, each student has four eight-week rotations within the Clinical Rotation Network, with focus on prenatal, pediatric and adult genetic counseling. Explore
the clinical opportunities click here.

 

MASTER OF SCIENCE THESIS The capabilities of genetic counselors include scientific evaluation of the tenets of genetic counseling and professional reporting of these studies. Students are required to write a thesis based on original research. The resulting work must be of publishable quality and is often presented at a national genetics society meeting. For more information, click here.	About School of Medicine Departments Medical Library Student Services School Directory Ways to Give University Home Page
USC Genetic Counseling Program Class of 2009