Professional Development I

Catalog description

The goal of this seminar is to increase awareness of the many facets of genetic counseling as a career. The genetic counseling profession is rapidly evolving as new diagnostic technologies and treatments are developed. Skills learned by genetic counselors are applicable to many different job settings. Knowledge of these alternative ways in which counselors may work increases a student's ability to successfully pursue a career. Members of the genetics community from Philadelphia and the surrounding area provide lectures describing the current state of the profession. Selected topics include genetic counseling for a diverse population, the intersection between palliative care and genetic counseling, and how to manage a clinical genetic counseling practice with issues surrounding billing reimbursement and credentialing. This seminar also helps prepare students for the demands of the genetic counseling profession by focusing on emotional well-being through a process group facilitated by a professional counselor. Students prepare a career development plan reflecting on the essential components of an "ideal job" and develop a curriculum vitae and cover letters.