Graduate Diploma in Genetic Counselling

Summary

The Graduate Diploma in Genetic Counselling aims to provide students with the appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes to pursue a career in genetic counselling. It is also applicable to health professionals and educators who wish to have a well-grounded understanding of the principles of genetic counselling to incorporate into their practice. Through theoretical and practical components students are able to acquire a clear understanding of basic genetic mechanisms and the ways in which these mechanisms can be studied and observed in the clinical setting. Students will acquire the necessary counselling skills to provide genetic counselling across a broad range of specialty areas. This program fulfils the requirements for Part I Accreditation (Genetic Counselling) with the Human Genetics Association of Australia, a prerequisite for employment in this field.

Students who accept a position in this program must arrange their own Health Status checks as per NSW Health Policy see web site www.health.nsw.gov.au/policies/PD/2005/pdf/PD2005_338.pdf

Students are required to complete and submit a Criminal Clearance Application Form prior to commencement of the program (these forms are supplied by the University).

Students should be aware that the two three week Practicum placements that they are required to attend during the year will involve extra travel/accommodation expenses. Students may be sent to other Australian states.

Prospective students are advised to access more information at: www.hunter.health.nsw.gov.au/genetics/edu_research.htm

This is a fee paying program. Australian students may be able to participate in the Higher Education Loans Program (FEE-HELP).

Program duration

One year full-time or two years part-time.

Admission criteria

A Bachelor degree from an approved tertiary institution or other approved qualifications plus completion of any required prerequisite or co-requisite studies. As places are limited admission into the program will be subject to satisfactory performance in an interview with a program selection committee. Applications close on 30 November in the year prior to commencing study.

How to apply

Application into this program has been suspended for 2008.

Program Description

The program requires the completion of 80 units over two semesters. Due to the practical clinical component, and introductory material covered in semester one, it is not possible to offer a mid year intake. Courses are highly integrated across the program to enable students to incorporate theory and practical skills.

Students who successfully complete the Graduate Diploma will be eligible to apply for admission to the Master of Genetic Counselling.

Approved Courses

The approved program of study is:

Schedule

The relevant program schedule is available within the Degree Rules and Schedules section of the Policy Library.