For nearly 100 years, Xavier University of Louisiana has stood at the forefront of transforming the landscape of healthcare in the United States. That transformation continues with the launching of its Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program, the first of its kind in Louisiana. 

"Xavier University of Louisiana's history places it as a pioneer of change and representation in healthcare practice. The addition of our Genetic Counseling Program is the continuation of this good work," said Reynold Verret, president of Xavier University of Louisiana. "This program is another way we stay true to our mission of creating a more just and humane society." 

The mission of the Genetic Counseling program is to equip students with the necessary skills to become clinical savvy, ethical, compassionate, culturally aware, and forward-thinking genetic counselors. In the program, students will be taught ways to help people understand how genetic conditions and traits may affect their family's health through a curriculum incorporating the latest technologies and emphasizing the best genetic counseling practices. Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC), the program's commitment is to promote the health of individuals and communities. Students will be able to expand efforts to reduce health disparities as they contribute to the ever-evolving genetic healthcare environment and fill in the gaps of representation in the field. 

"There's a minimal number of genetic counselors from minority populations to serve as clinical supervisors, program faculty, and leadership," said Alix D'Angelo, assistant program director and clinical assistant professor in Xavier's Genetic Counseling program. "And being one of the only accredited genetic counseling programs at a historically Black college and university is meaningful." 

The Genetic Counseling program is among the only Genetic Counseling programs offered at an HBCU, and the latest partnership between Ochsner Health and Xavier University of Louisiana. With the support of Myriad Genetics, the program is uniquely positioned to foster diversity in the genetic counseling field and reduce health disparities in diverse communities in Louisiana.  

"In medicine today, we are developing precision medicine, or some people call it personalized medicine," said Dr. Leonardo Seoane, founding dean of Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine. "What we were missing in Louisiana is that we do not have a genetic counseling program. The [Ochsner Health] partnership with Xavier to start the first genetic counseling program in Louisiana is very exciting." 

Through championing those from underserved and underrepresented communities, the university hopes that genetic counseling program students can become counselors who can help their patients and their communities navigate their health in a robust way that can improve their health outcomes. 

"Xavier University of Louisiana's Genetic Counseling program is a groundbreaking initiative that brings much-needed diversity to a field critical to advancing healthcare equity," said Adel Gilbert, the founding Genetic Counseling Program director. "By training genetic counselors at Xavier, we're creating a pipeline of professionals who bring cultural competence and lived experience to the forefront of patient care. This new program is a testament to the university's commitment to innovation and social justice, equipping students to bridge the gap between science and the communities that need it most." 

Those who are interested in the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program may apply here by January 2, 2025. For more information, visit here.