Master of Genetic Counselling (MGC)

Program Overview

After the release of the complete version of the human genome in 2003, the field of medical genetics experienced a revolution in the speed of discoveries which positively affected human health. The clinical and genomic breakthrough of the medical genetics field has aided the translation and integration of genomics into health care and the introduction of personalized medicine improving level of service offered to patients.

The high incidence of various genetic disorders in KSA and in the Arab world, the implementation of national programs of new born and premarital screening have significantly increased the demand for properly trained Genetic Counselors to work with patients and their families. Genetic counseling training programs have been around in North America since the late sixties. These training programs have proven to be highly successful in graduating well trained genetic counselors, where currently there are thousands of them practicing worldwide.

The Department of Medical Genetics at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in affiliation with Alfaisal University in Riyadh have recognized the importance of such an essential specialty and are committed to establish the first Master's training program in genetic counseling located at Alfaisal University. The goal of this program is to meet the current and future demand of healthcare system for highly qualified, competent and culturally sensitive genetic counselors in Saudi Arabia and in the region.

Based on letter number 18003583 dated 27/01/1440H 7 Oct 2018 from SCHS university Graduate programs / Clinical and nonclinical ,are not required to have SHCS approval or accreditation. The only approval required for any program is from MOE and NCAAA.

What is Genetic Counseling?

According to the National Society of Genetic Counseling (NSGC) in USA genetic counseling is defined as "the process of helping people understand and adapt to the medical, psychological and familial implications of genetic contributions to disease. This integrates interpretation of family and medical histories to assess disease occurrence and recurrence, education about inheritance, testing, management, prevention, resources and research. It also integrates counseling to promote informed choices and adaptation to the risk or condition".

Where do Genetic Counselors work?

Genetic counselors work in almost all fields of healthcare. Below are some of the areas where genetic counselors work:

  • Assisted Reproductive Technologies/Infertility
  • Cardiovascular Genetics
  • Familial Cancer Risk Counseling
  • Fetal Intervention & Therapy
  • Newborn and premarital screening
  • Hematology
  • Metabolic Genetics
  • Neurogenetics
  • Pediatric Counseling
  • Prenatal Counseling/Ultrasound Anomalies
  • Research
  • Diagnostic laboratories
  • Educational and medical websites
  • Pharmaceutical industry
Admission Requirements
  1. A bachelor's degree accepted by The Ministry of Education (MOE) in a related field.
  2. A satisfactory scholastic average; a minimum grade average of "good" in the bachelor’s degree.
  3. Alfaisal Graduates or applicants who come from a country or political entity where English is not the official language adequate proficiency in English to do graduate work, as evidenced by

    Genetic Counselling

    IELTS (Academic)

    5.5

    TOEFL iBT

    65

    STEP

    80
    *English language tests are valid for three years.
  4. Applicant should provide one recent letter of recommendation from professors who taught or from a manager at the workplace.
  5. The graduate study application must be accompanied by a non-refundable application fee payable to Alfaisal University, which is equal to SAR 600.
  6. An Interview with the applicant may be requested if necessary.
Duration

Genetic Counselling is a 2-year program

Tuition Fees

Students are allowed to repeat a maximum of 6 CH during their study without incurring extra fees. If students exceed the allowed CH, the normal CH rate will apply.

Description

Amount (SAR)

Application Fee (Non-Refundable)

600 SAR

Genetic Counselling Total Cost

200,000 SAR

Cost of credit hour

4,762 SAR

Seat Reservation and Tuition fee first instalment paid before the beginning of the Academic year/Registration (Non-Refundable)

5000 SAR

For Admission Enquiries / Queries

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