Healthcare Genetics Minor

Sample Curriculum

Genetic based medicine is routinely becoming a part of daily health care, having major impacts on patient diagnosis, prognosis and treatment – and nurses need to understand how genetics impacts these facets of their patient care and this minor program will prepare them for the medical advances that are occurring in the field of genetics. The student who completes the Minor in Healthcare Genetics will be able to achieve the following competencies:

• Guide patients in their understanding of the genetic basis of disease as well as providing patient education and guidance in the areas of available genetic testing, interpretation of testing, recurrence risks, and genetic based therapies
• Provide advocacy for patients and families with genetic conditions
• Utilize family histories to determine disorders for which the patient is at risk
• Utilize a variety of resources to stay up to date with advances in genetic based medicine
• Determine when patient referral to a genetic professional is required
• Utilize a variety of resources to provide patients and their families with support mechanisms
• Interpret genetic research findings
• Additionally, The Minor in Healthcare Genetics provides the course work and documentation necessary to fulfill the educational requirement for credentialing as an Advanced Practice Nurse in Genetics which is offered through the Genetic Nurse Credentialing Committee. For more information on Advanced Practice Nurse in Genetics credentialing please visit The International Society of Nurses in Genetics website at www.isong.org

Example of Minor in Nursing Genetics Program Curriculum (for students enrolled in Master's Program )