Bay Path University

Bay Pathway Spring/Summer 2019 6 equipped to interpret genetic test results. Although, this is a modest sample, it points out the need for genetic counselors on the healthcare team. "It is very difficult for medical practitioners to have a deep understanding of every gene that is available for testing and the implications for the patient," adds Berliner. "Genetic counselors are specialists who not only keep up to date, but can answer key questions such as: what does the detection of a harmful genetic variant mean? Which findings are urgent? Should I share this information with family members, and what is the best way to do that? How can I learn more about this condition? By answering as many of these questions as possible and referring our patients and families to support resources, we can provide relief and a level of comfort." Closing the Gap Due in part to the skyrocketing popularity of online companies such as 23 and Me and Ancestry.com, as well as the vast number of genetic tests that are available to the medical community, the need for genetic counselors has never been greater. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor projects that demand for the profession will grow nearly 30 percent between 2016 and 2026. According to Berliner, entrance into Bay Path's program is extremely competitive: "We are one of 49 colleges and universities in North America that offer a master's degree in genetic counseling, and we were the first, and now one of only two online programs in the country. Although students are required to come to campus for two weekends a year, all their didactic learning is done online and their clinical rotations can usually be arranged near where students live. These factors make the program incredibly convenient for students. And with the increasing use of remote genetic counseling for rural or underserved areas of our country, our students' comfort with technology definitely gives them a leg up." What does the Future Hold? Technology will continue to have an impact on genetic testing, and software companies are already looking at artificial intelligence tools. It may be sooner rather than later that parents could leave the hospital with a complete genetic profile of their child. But no matter the advances or the possibilities, nothing can replace the high-touch relationship between patient and genetic counselor. After all, in the end, we are all human, and a caring heart and sympathetic ear can be the best medicine of all. Need to know more about genetic counselors? Visit www.nsgc.org Visit www.baypath.edu/geneticcounseling to learn more about our MS in Genetic Counseling. Accreditation The Masters of Science in Genetic Counseling Program at Bay Path University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling, Inc., 7918 Jones Branch Drive, Ste. 300, McLean, VA 22102. Telephone: (703) 506-7667 "GENETIC COUNSELORS ARE UNIQUELY QUALIFIED TO LOOK AT THE ROLE OF GENETICS IN MEDICAL CONDITIONS AND EMPOWER PATIENTS TO MAKE THE DECISIONS THAT ARE RIGHT FOR THEM." Professor Janice Berliner, director of the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program

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