Genetics in Advanced Practice
Program Description
The Genetics in Advanced Practice Sub-Specialty is designed for nurses in a master’s program in nursing who wish to develop expertise in working with families at risk for or with genetic disorders.
Students completing this sub-specialty will:
- Identify individuals and families at risk for a genetic disorder and make appropriate referrals
- Discuss preventive measures in genetics
- Discuss and interpret findings and recommendations by the medical geneticist
- Develop skills in taking a genetic history
- Participate and collaborate with genetic interdisciplinary teams
- Be sensitive to the relevant ethical, legal, and cultural issues involved in genetic services and in the application of genetic technology on health care policy
- Identify services needed by families in the community and make appropriate referrals
- Discuss research findings and their significance to prevention and intervention in genetic disorders
- Explore the effects of the Human Genome Project on individuals, families, and health care providers
The Program Director for the Genetics in Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner sub-specialty program is Sarah Cook.
Curriculum
| Courses | Credits |
| Incorporating Genetics into Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 |
| Genetic Concentration for Advanced Practice Nursing | 2 |
| Practicum in Genetics for Advanced Practice Nursing | 2 |
| Total Credits | 7 |
M8290
Incorporating Genetics into Advanced Practice Nursing
Credits: 3
This course will introduce students to clinical genetic theory using new information from the human genome project, and
the history and evolution of genetic counseling, including the ethical, legal, and social issues which arise daily in
this rapidly developing field. This course is intended to add to the knowledge base of advanced practice nurses so that
they will increase their sensitivity to issues confronting families at risk for or with genetic disorders.
M8160
Genetic Concentration for Advanced Practice Nursing
Credits: 2
This course provides a mentored, independent study opportunity for the student to develop in-depth knowledge in an area
of genetics of particular interest and relevance to his/her clinical practice. Students will focus on the essentials of
advanced practice care and genetic counseling relative to patients in their area of interest. When taken in conjunction
with the practicum, case study discussion and analysis will augment didactic knowledge.
M8165
Practicum in Genetics for Advanced Practice Nursing
Credits: 2
This course provides an opportunity for students to practice comprehensive/holistic nursing care to patients with or at
risk for genetic disorders. Students are encouraged to use research findings to alter therapeutic approaches to patients
and to explore the effects of working with a specific patient population as an advanced practice nurse in genetics.
School of Nursing
The School of Nursing has paved the way for professional nursing since 1892 and continues to lead the field as the foremost institution for advanced practice nursing.
The School of Nursing is a designated World Health Organization Collaborating Center for International Nursing Development in Advanced Practice. With urban clinical sites, expert faculty practitioners, cutting edge research, and the strength of the Columbia name and reputation, the School of Nursing produces graduates who possess the skills necessary to bring advanced practice nursing into the new millennium. As medical advances offer a cascade of new and useful therapies, the need for more health care providers will increase exponentially. Our country will face many health care challenges in the next 20 years, and nurse practitioners are essential to providing access to quality primary care.
Founded in 1892 as Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing, the School became part of Columbia University in 1937 and began offering the baccalaureate degree. It is one of the oldest schools of nursing in the US. In 1956, it became the first nursing program in the country to award a master’s degree in a clinical nursing specialty. In 1999, the School granted its first doctoral degree. More than 9,000 nurses have graduated since the School opened.
The School is part of the Columbia University Medical Center along with the Mailman School of Public Health, the School of Dental and Oral Surgery, and the College of Physicians and Surgeons. Each of these schools adds to the richness and diversity of the educational experience of students and faculty.
School of Nursing faculty have substantial experience in curriculum, instructional design, and research. They maintain expertise in their areas of teaching responsibility through participation at local, regional, and national conferences, involvement in scholarly presentations and publications, and faculty practice.
Columbia University School of Nursing is distinguished by the clinical excellence of its programs and graduates. Columbia nurses are making crucial contributions and improving the health of individuals wherever they practice.
The above information is current as of 6/08 and is subject to change at any time.