In Australasia, genetic counsellors are allied health professionals who work in partnership with clinical geneticists or other medical specialists, often as part of a multidisciplinary team that may include other allied health professionals and/or scientists.

 

Genetic counselling is a communication process that aims to help individuals, couples and families understand and adapt to the implications of a genetic contribution to a health condition.

 

The role of a genetic counsellor includes

• provision of risk information to individuals/families,
• education about a genetic condition to individuals/families/health professionals
• counselling to individuals/families to promote informed health care decision making
• psychosocial support to individuals/families who have a history of a genetic condition

 

The Master of Genetic Counselling is a professionally accredited coursework degree, completed full time over two years.

 

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Teaching staff are primarily practicing genetic counsellors, scientists and clinicians within the field of clinical genetics health care and research. Community support groups and individuals/families with personal/family experience of genetics also provide expertise to the teaching and placements in the course.