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List of Core Educational Faculty
Qualifying Exam Study Guide and Examples
Suggestions for Elective Courses

Picture Consent Form

MS Human Genetics Only (Excludes Genetic Counseling)

Timeline and Graduation Checklist 2021
Timeline and Graduation Checklist 2022

MS Genetic Counseling Only

Timeline and Graduation Checklist
MS Genetic Counseling Expanded Checklist
Thesis Form and Summary of Intent

Technical Standards

The Genetic Counseling program is committed to cutting edge training in the complex science of genetics/genomics while fostering a strong foundation in counseling. Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC), the program is designed to allow students to achieve the ACGC practice-based competencies, which define the knowledge and skills that an entry-level genetic counselor should demonstrate upon graduation. To achieve the knowledge and skills necessary for these competencies, the graduate training is a rigorous process that is meant to ensure that our graduates are competent practitioners.

The technical standards outlined here reflect the abilities and characteristics necessary to successfully complete all requirements of the program and describe attributes that extend beyond academic requirements for admission. Moreover, they define areas that are not addressed in the ACGC practice-based competencies.

The University fosters a culture of inclusiveness and is committed to providing an accessible environment for its faculty, staff and students. These standards describe the nonacademic essential functions that are required for admission to, advancement through, and graduation from the program. Applicants or students who would like to request reasonable accommodations to these standards or to learn more about accommodations and the process at Pitt, contact

Office of Disability Resources and Services
140 William Pitt Union
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Voice or TTD 412-648-7890

Technical Standards

The technical standards are categorized into the following areas: Observation, Communication, Motor Function, Intellectual Ability, and Ethics and Professionalism.

Observation

The candidate must be able to

observe the presentations in the classroom, laboratory and clinic sites
observe patients at a distance and close at hand during the clinical rotations
demonstrate sufficient use of visual and auditory senses to conduct genetic counseling sessions

Communication

The candidate must be able to

transport themself from room to room and location to complete curricular, clinical and research requirements
have the physical stamina to complete the curricular, clinical and research requirements of the program

Intellectual Ability

The candidate must be able to

demonstrate problem solving ability and critical thinking skills with good judgment, psychological stability, maturity and empathy
interpret and assimilate scientific literature and apply this knowledge in patient care and in the conduct of research
understand the material presented in coursework and apply this information in patient care and in the conduct of research

Ethics and Professionalism

The candidate must be able to

demonstrate sound intellectual ability and judgment in completing program requirements within established timelines
demonstrate a calm and diplomatic demeanor in stressful situations and display flexibility in working in fast-paced academic and clinical settings
practice within the law and ethical standards of the genetic counseling profession including the NSGC Code of Ethics
accept feedback and modify behavior in response to this feedback
work cooperatively and collaboratively with members of the health care team
interact with diverse populations
recognize limitations in one's own competency and seek appropriate healp
recognize medical and emotional problems that interfere with academic and clinical performance and seek appropriate help

Should you have any questions, please contact

Jodie M. Vento, program director