ACCREDITATION
The programme has been accredited by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC). 

COURSE DURATION
It is a two year academic programme.  Students who graduate from the programme will be required to complete a mandatory one year internship under the supervision of the Allied Health Professions Council to become licensed to practice as Genetic  Counsellors.

1. Required(core) course(s)

• • Human genetics I
  • Human genetics II
  • Clinical genetic testing
  • Counselling skills and communication
  • Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) in Genetic Counselling
  • Principles of genetic counselling
  • Professional development and practice
  • Bioinformatics and research methods
  • Cancer Genetics
  • New born screening
  • Genetics education
  • Special topics in genetic counselling
  • Genetic counselling practicum
  • Long Essay
  • Seminar I
  • Seminar 2

2. Elective course(s)

• • Fundamentals of anatomy and physiology
  • Introduction to clinical health psychology
  • Genetics of blood disorders
  • Psychiatric and behavioural genetics
  • Population genetics
  • Disability and rehabilitation
  • Psychology of survivorship
  • Psychology of predictive testing

3. Research component

Long Essay: The programme will comprise a 6-credit long essay research. Students will receive supervisory support to identify a relevant genetic counselling topic, to collect/review data, undertake critical analysis of data, and to write a report. At the completion of the course, students will submit the long essay, which will be assessed based on a set of core research and scientific writing skills. In addition, students will submit a research portfolio that will detail the research process and experience.

1. Practical training (industrial attachment, internship, clinical experience)

Practicals: The programme offers 1,032 hours (12-credits) of practical training. Students will complete 6-credits of clinical practicum in the first three inter-semester breaks, and 6-credits during the second academic year. It will include community-based outreach programmes for the students to promote awareness of genetic disorders among local communities and to appreciate the challenges communities face with identification and diagnosis of genetic disorders. The students who graduate from the programme will complete a mandatory one-year internship under the supervision of the GPC.

National (Ghanaian citizens) and Regional (citizens of other West African countries) applicants for the MSc Genetic Counselling programme are eligible to apply for a WAGMC Postgraduate Fellowship to support their tuition and other related fees. For more information, visit: WAGMC Fellowship.

By the end of the programme, it is intended that students will acquire the following knowledge and skills:

1. Elicit and evaluate clients’ (individuals, families, patients) concerns, expectations, and a detailed family, medical, and psychosocial history for assessment of likely patterns of disease risk/inheritance as well as eligibility for genetic testing.
2. Make referrals for genetic testing (where available); interpret genetic/laboratory/special investigation reports, and expertly communicate confirmed diagnostic and predictive information to clients based on the outcome of genetic testing and/or assessment of clients’ history.
3. Conduct basic psychological wellbeing assessments pre- and post- genetic testing for children, adults, and families and expertly support management of distress including referrals to clinical psychologists.
4. Provide accurate information and expert counselling that is suited to clients’ individual needs about the genetic disorder(s) of concern and results of the assessment conducted, to facilitate informed and autonomous decision making.
5. Provide genetic counselling with empathy; compassion; sensitivity to clients’ background; respect for autonomy, diversity, human dignity, privacy, and confidentiality; and with knowledge of human rights as indicated in the constitution of the country.
6. Develop and display an awareness of the interaction between clients, counsellors, and other systemic factors associated with genetic counselling across diverse clinical settings.
7. Provide timely referral to appropriate healthcare professionals, relevant genetic support groups, non-governmental organizations, other local and international sources of support.
8. Recognize and appreciate the scope and limitations of genetic counselling as well as the licensure and other requirements of regulatory bodies.
9. Reflect on personal strengths and limitions in practice, seek help when necessary, and commit to continuous professional development.
10. Design and roll out community outreach programmes regarding genetic disorders.
11. Adopt innovative teaching methods in tutoring subsequent students on the programme and in training other healthcare providers.
12. Design, conduct, and collaborate on rigorous research that informs practice, training, and policy in genetic counselling.