Katsichti L, Hadzipetros-Bardanis M, Bartsocas C S
University of Athens, Faculty of Nursing, Department of Pediatrics, Greece.
Genet Couns. 1999;10(2):171-6.
Genetic counseling is defined by the American Society of Human Genetics as a communication process which deals with the human problems associated with the occurrence, or risk of occurrence, of a genetic disorder in a family. The first graduate program (Master's degree) in genetic counseling started in 1969 at Sarah Lawrence College, NY, USA, while in 1979 the National Society of Genetic Counseling (NSGC) was established. Today, there are 29 programs in U.S.A. offering a Master's degree in Genetic Counseling, five programs in Canada, one in Mexico, one in England and one in S. Africa. Most of these graduate programs offer two year training, consisting of graduate courses, seminars, research and practical training. Emphasis is given in human physiology, biochemistry, clinical genetics, cytogenetics, molecular and biochemical genetics, population genetics and statistics, prenatal diagnosis, teratology and genetic counseling in relation to psychosocial and ethical issues. Certification for eligible candidates is available through the American Board of Medical Genetics (ABMG). Requirements for certification include a master's degree in human genetics, training at sites accredited by the ABMG, documentation of genetic counseling experience, evidence of continuing education and successful completion of a comprehensive ABMG certification examination. As professionals, genetic counselors should maintain expertise, should insure mechanisms for professional advancement and should always maintain the ability to approach their patients.
美国人类遗传学会将遗传咨询定义为一种交流过程，该过程处理与家庭中遗传疾病的发生或发生风险相关的人类问题。1969年，美国纽约莎拉劳伦斯学院开设了首个遗传咨询研究生项目（硕士学位），1979年成立了全国遗传咨询协会（NSGC）。如今，美国有29个项目提供遗传咨询硕士学位，加拿大有5个项目，墨西哥有1个项目，英国有1个项目，南非有1个项目。这些研究生项目大多提供为期两年的培训，包括研究生课程、研讨会、研究和实践培训。重点在于人体生理学、生物化学、临床遗传学、细胞遗传学、分子与生化遗传学、群体遗传学与统计学、产前诊断、致畸学以及与心理社会和伦理问题相关的遗传咨询。符合条件的候选人可通过美国医学遗传学委员会（ABMG）获得认证。认证要求包括人类遗传学硕士学位、在ABMG认可的机构接受培训、遗传咨询经验证明、继续教育证据以及成功通过ABMG综合认证考试。作为专业人员，遗传咨询师应保持专业知识，确保职业发展机制，并始终保持与患者沟通的能力。
