Clinical training is at the heart of MUSC’s Master of Science in Genetic Counseling (MSGC) program. Designed to mirror the realities of real-world practice, MUSC’s clinical rotations prepare students to graduate as confident, adaptable, and practice-ready genetic counselors. Through a combination of core clinical experiences, flexible electives, and both in-person and virtual learning opportunities, students gain exposure to the diverse settings and specialties shaping the future of the field.
According to Tara Hart, Director of MSGC Clinical Training, MUSC’s rotation structure is intentionally built to reflect how genetic counseling is practiced today. “Students engage in real patient care, interdisciplinary collaboration, clinical documentation, and ethical decision-making,” she explains. Core rotations in prenatal, pediatric, and cancer genetics build strong clinical foundations, while specialty rotations allow students to explore emerging and nontraditional areas such as cardiology, neurology, pharmacogenomics, advocacy, leadership, and industry.
Students begin developing clinical skills early through a standardized patient clinic in their first year, practicing counseling encounters across specialties including cardiology, pulmonology, neurodevelopmental genetics, and newborn screening. These low-stakes, supportive simulations help students develop confidence before transitioning into real patient care. MUSC also offers both in-person and remote rotations, preparing students to provide genetic counseling across multiple care models.
Second-year student Ritechel Joussef is currently completing a cardiology genetics rotation, working with patients and families being evaluated for inherited cardiac conditions such as cardiomyopathies, arrhythmia syndromes, and familial hypercholesterolemia. “This involves taking detailed personal and family histories, reviewing genetic testing options and results, and helping patients understand how genetic information can guide medical management and family screening,” she shared. For Ritechel, the variety of clinical settings and the opportunity to engage in both in-person and virtual visits have helped her build adaptability and a deeper understanding of how genetic counseling can be tailored to different patient populations.
One of the defining features of MUSC’s MSGC program is its emphasis on individualized training. Before placements, students complete an in-depth survey outlining their interests, goals, and geographic preferences. This information is used to design personalized rotation schedules, including flexible in-person blocks and remote opportunities for students who prefer not to remain in South Carolina long term. The program has also built partnerships with clinics across the country and internationally, expanding access to diverse clinical experiences.
Beyond clinical skill development, students are encouraged to use their rotations as a platform for leadership, advocacy, and creative problem-solving. “These experiences allow students to build professional identities, expand their networks, and gain insight into how genetic counselors can influence systems of care beyond individual patient encounters,” Hart shared.
Inspired by her rotations, Ritechel has completed several patient-centered projects, including developing carrier screening education resources during her prenatal rotation and contributing to a culturally responsive metabolic cookbook in pediatrics. She is currently working on a variant interpretation project in cardiology genetics, deepening her confidence in applying genetic information to patient care. “These experiences have helped me see my role as a future genetic counselor in a deeper way, not just as someone who explains information, but as someone who listens, advocates, and supports patients through complex decisions,” she shared. “Working on projects that prioritize cultural awareness and accessibility has shown me how small, thoughtful interventions can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”
Through diverse specialties, flexible learning formats, and meaningful opportunities for professional growth, MUSC’s MSGC clinical rotations prepare students to thrive in a rapidly evolving field. More than clinical training, the program offers a personalized pathway to becoming a thoughtful, skilled, and future-ready genetic counselor.
Curious what your own clinical journey could look like? Learn more about the clinical practicum experience and how hands-on, flexible training at MUSC can help you build the skills and confidence to make a real impact.
Katie Ennis
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