The Master of Science in Genetic Counseling Program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS) provides students with many opportunities for study, research, and practice in the challenging and exciting field of genetic counseling.
Our mission reflects the mission of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences: "to train the next generation of leaders in scientific and clinical discovery, innovation, education, health policy, clinical care and advocacy in a diverse, equitable and inclusive learning environment".
Our program is integrated within the Department of Genetics and Genomics Sciences, one of the largest departments of its kind in the world. Our faculty is renowned in the diagnosis, treatment and counseling of genetic disorders and is at the forefront of basic science research. Our large multidisciplinary center provides clinical and laboratory services to a wide range of culturally diverse patients and their families, along with our proven commitment to the communities we serve.
The Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program is a 21-month, full-time course of study accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC), which blends didactic coursework with a variety of clinical rotations. The Program has a 100% job placement rate for those seeking positions within the genetic counseling field. The first time Board certification pass rate for the classes of 2019, 2020 and 2021 is 87%. The rate of attrition is less than 3%.
Our students grow in skills and knowledge while enjoying access to the incomparable opportunities present in a prestigious academic medical center in the heart of New York City.
Program History
The Genetic Counseling Program was established in 1991 as a Certificate Program to train individuals with related advanced degrees to become genetic counselors. It became a Master of Science degree program in 1995 and is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC).* Our students have access to the laboratories, libraries, and educational resources of ISMMS as part of The Mount Sinai Health System.
The integration of academic and clinical disciplines within one of the country's preeminent health systems provides an ideal environment for our master's program, affording our students unparalleled opportunities for study, research, and practice in the challenging and exciting field of genetic counseling.
*The Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling is located at 7918 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 300, McLean, VA 22102. For information about the ACGC, call (703) 506-3266 or visit www.gceducation.org.
Program Leadership
Randi Zinberg, MS, CGC
Director, Master of Science Program in Genetic Counseling
Email: randi.zinberg@mssm.edu
Lisa Karger, MS, CGC
Associate Director, Master of Science Program in Genetic Counseling
Email: lisa.karger@mssm.edu
Louise Bier, MS, CGC
Director, Clinical Research, Master of Science Program in Genetic Counseling
Email: louise.bier@mssm.edu
Current Students
The Mount Sinai Genetic Counseling program continually boasts high-caliber students who enter the program with a variety of educational and personal backgrounds that enrich the collective experiences of all. Check out the below student profiles to learn more about the Class of 2023 and Class of 2024.