Xavier University of Louisiana has recently announced a new master’s degree program in genetic counseling. The university stated that the program is the first of its kind in the state of Louisiana and the first to be offered at a historically Black college or university.
Students who enroll in the new graduate program will learn how to best help people understand how genetic conditions and traits can affect their family’s health. Developed in in partnership with the Oschner Health and Myriad Genetics, the curriculum will focus on promoting the health of underrepresented individuals and communities.
“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, founding director of the new program. “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.”
