The Graduate Program in Genetic Counseling at UCI School of Medicine's Department of Pediatrics is committed to providing education and professional training in counseling and medical genetics, leading to a Master of Science in genetic counseling. Our goal is to train genetic counseling professionals who have developed the practice-based competencies that an entry-level provider must demonstrate to successfully practice as a genetic counselor, in a culturally responsive and respectful manner across practice settings and with all clients.<br>Our Vision: The UCI genetic counseling program provides exceptional comprehensive training for future genetic counselors to develop the knowledge, skills and experience to effectively integrate genetic information in the provision of healthcare, while incorporating new discoveries and innovations in genetic and genomic medicine.<br><br>Our Mission: To provide trainees with an immersive experience in all aspects of medical genetics and genetic counseling so that they have the knowledge, skills and experience to help patients, other practitioners and the public understand and adapt to the implications of genetic variation for health.<br><br>The program is based in the clinical Division of Genetic and Genomic Medicine at UCI Medical Center in Orange, about 15 miles from the main university campus in Irvine. A distinguishing characteristic of the program is its integration within an active clinical genetics unit, where 17 faculty genetic counselors and medical geneticists provide service to a wide variety of patients and families. From their first quarter of graduate study, students participate in a wide range of clinics where they learn to apply the skills and knowledge learned through academic coursework.