Graduate Certificate in Genomic Counselling and Variant Interpretation
Program Overview
The entirely online Graduate Certificate in Genomic Counselling and Variant Interpretation is targeted to practicing Genetic Counsellors who would like to upskill their genomic knowledge and gain increased competency in genomic counselling and cutting-edge genomic testing technologies.
The 12-credit certificate program is composed of four courses, two bioinformatics-focused (MEDG 580, 585) and two counselling-focused (MEDG 590, 595). All courses use a patient-centered approach, drawing from real world examples for authentic and focused knowledge application, with multidisciplinary team collaboration. Each interactive course will include case-based learning, interactive modules from subject matter experts, application assignments, and formal evaluations.
The Graduate Certificate in Genomic Counselling and Variant Interpretation will prepare genetic counsellors for practice in all spheres of genomic counselling including clinical, laboratory, teaching, and research settings.
Admissions
Academic Requirements:
Successful applicants must meet UBC’s graduate-level admission requirements including the English Language Proficiency Requirement
As this is a post-professional certificate, applicants must hold a M.Sc. or MS degree in Genetic Counselling from an accredited academic institution.
Professional Requirements:
An applicant should be eligible to practice in their discipline.
Applicants who do not meet the requirements stated above, but who have had other significant formal training, relevant professional experience, and/or otherwise possess demonstrable knowledge or expertise that would prepare them adequately for successful study in the graduate certificate program may be granted admission on a case-by-case basis.
Certificate Requirements
All students must successfully complete the following four courses (12 credits):
- MEDG 580 (3)
- MEDG 585 (3)
- MEDG 590 (3)
- MEDG 595 (3)
MEDG 580 is a prerequisite for MEDG 585; the other Certificate courses can be taken in any order. Each course will be offered once per academic year.
Academic Progress Requirements:
The minimum passing grade in any course taken by a student enrolled in the Certificate program is 60%. However, only 2 courses with grades in the C to C+ range (60-67%) may be counted towards the Certificate. For all other courses, a minimum of 68% must be obtained.
Where a failing grade is obtained in a course, on the recommendation of the Certificate program and with the approval of the Faculty of Medicine, the student may repeat a course for higher standing. If the Certificate program does not make such a recommendation, or if the recommendation is not approved by the Faculty of Medicine, the student will be required to withdraw. A student who obtains a grade of less than 68% in more than 2 courses will normally be required to withdraw for inadequate academic progress. The student will be informed of unsatisfactory academic progress in writing before any action regarding withdrawal is taken.
When repeating a failed course, a minimum mark of 74% must be obtained. If a course is repeated, both marks will appear on the transcript. The higher mark will be used to determine promotion in a program and in any decision to admit or withdraw a student from a program. For all other purposes, averages will be calculated using both marks.
Contact Information
Graduate Certificate in Genomic Counselling and Variant Interpretation
University of British Columbia
C&W Health Centre of British Columbia
4500 Oak Street, Box# 153
Vancouver, BC, Canada V6H 3N1
Tel: 604-875-2000 x5624
Fax: 604-875-3019
Email: genomiccounselling.info@ubc.ca
