The Genetic Counseling Graduate Program is a leader in proactively addressing the need for the genetic counseling profession to better reflect the patients we serve. In addition, we recognize the need for all genetic counselors to have the skills to work effectively with a growing ethno-culturally diverse patient population.
The cultural experiences and diversity of students are respected and valued. We place emphasis not only on recruiting culturally diverse students into the program, but also on launching and supporting all of our students on their journey to become culturally competent practitioners. Each student is unique in terms of their age, personal experiences, cultural and family background, beliefs and worldviews.
We encourage applicants to reflect on their own unique perspectives via their essay and/or references. Supported by institutional grants and other funds, our program is committed to recruiting under-represented minority students and improving the cultural competence of faculty, supervisors and students. Since becoming a culturally competent practitioner involves an ongoing journey of self-awareness and learning and demonstration of skills and knowledge, there is no defined endpoint. Our program's goal is to facilitate the student's personal and professional growth process.