University of San Francisco

The Department of Physiological Nursing at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), is offering three dual specialty graduate programs in advanced practice nursing: cardiovascular/genomics, oncology/genomics, and gerontology/genomics. These master’s degree dual programs prepare advanced level experts, i.e., Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS), to join multidisciplinary teams and provide evaluation, counseling and educational services in a wide variety of healthcare settings, such as hospitals or outpatient clinics.

The didactic component includes content on basic principles of human genetics, assessment, genetic approaches to prevention and treatment of disease, i.e., pharmacogenetics or gene therapy, ethical, legal, and social issues related to genetic testing and information, and genetics advanced nursing interventions (genetic counseling, case management, consultation, evaluation). Students will acquire genetic knowledge to identify, refer, support, and care for persons affected by or at risk for manifesting or transmitting genetic conditions such as, familial hypercholesterolemia or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, familial breast or ovarian cancer, or Alzheimer’s disease. Focused clinical practicums include history taking and pedigree construction and a laboratory practicum on genetic methodologies, i.e., mutation detection, genotyping.

Clinical experiences for cardiovascular/genomics students include residencies in settings such as lipid clinics, where expertise in the diagnosis and management of patients with arteriosclerosis, emphasizing diagnosis and therapy determined at the genomic level is obtained. Oncology students learn to identify individuals who will benefit from screening for cancer risk, become familiar with the use of genetically targeted therapies, and develop the ability to educate patients, families, and nurse colleagues in newly emerging cancer genetics technologies. Gerontology clinical experiences provide training in optimal health planning and management of aging patients with genetic disorders. All three programs offer opportunities to participate in counseling and clinical research in the prevention, early detection, treatment, and long-term follow-up of individuals with genetic conditions. Doctoral studies in genomics are also available.

For specific program information, visit UCSF's Web site at http://nurseweb.ucsf.edu/www/genomic.htm

For an application, use UCSF’s web site to access an online form at http://nurseweb.ucsf.edu/from.htm or call 415-476-1435.

Last edited: 05/5/04

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