Leadership from the USF College of Public Health have teamed up with faculty across the University and beyond to create the Genetic Counseling Program. USF’s Pediatrics Division of Genetics & Metabolism, USF Obstetrics and Gynecology Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Tampa General Hospital, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Orlando Health, Integrated Genetics, and other community partners provide students with the hands-on counseling experience required for graduation.

Leadership

Deborah Cragun, PhD, MS, CGC
Program Director

Dr. Cragun is the Program Director for the USF Genetic Counseling Graduate Program. She has over six years of clinical practice in pediatric, prenatal, and cancer genetic counseling at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Moffitt Cancer Center. She was involved in the University of Cincinnati’s GC Program as a clinical and research supervisor for nearly three years. After teaching genetics for two years at the University of Tampa, she began researching genetic counseling access, service delivery, and outcomes while earning a PhD in Public Health at USF and subsequently completing a Postdoctoral Fellowship at Moffitt Cancer Center. In 2015, she became an Assistant Professor in USF’s College of Public Health where she conducts research, teaches, and serves as the Program Director for the Genetic Counseling MSPH degree program. Dr. Cragun is also currently a Multiple Principal Investigator on a Cancer Moonshot U01 research study funded by the National Cancer Institute. Dr. Deborah Cragun’s CV

Nevena Krstić, MS, CGC
Associate Program Director

Nevena is a board certified genetic counselor and an assistant professor at the University of South Florida (USF), the Associate Director for USF’s Genetic Counseling Program, and serves as the Program and Research Coordinator at MotherToBaby Florida. In addition to providing counseling as an information specialist at MTB Florida and USF Exposures Clinic, she provides prenatal and preconception genetic counseling in various clinics across the Tampa Bay area. She provides both clinical supervision and coursework instruction for students from the USF Genetic Counseling Program. Nevena earned her BS in Microbiology and Cell Science for University of Florida in 2010 and a MS in Genetic Counseling from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston in 2012. Nevena Krstić’s CV

Kathleen Pope, MD, MS, FAAP, FACMG
Medical Director

Dr. Pope is the Medical Director for the USF Genetic Counseling Graduate Program. She has a BA in biology from Williams College, an MS in genetic counseling from Northwestern University, and her MD from Indiana University School of Medicine. She completed pediatrics residency at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical Center and genetics residency at Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center. She is board certified in medical genetics and pediatrics, and has been a practicing clinical geneticist, caring for adult and pediatric patients as well as teaching USF students and residents, since 2012. She is currently the genetics division chief at Nemours Children’s Hospital in Orlando. Dr. Kathleen Pope’s CV

Melissa Racobaldo, MS, CGC
Director of Fieldwork Training

Melissa is the Director of Fieldwork Training for the USF Genetic Counseling Program. She received her BS in Psychology and Genetics from Clemson University and her MS in Genetic Counseling from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in 2015. She is currently a genetic counselor in the Genetics and Metabolism clinic with the Department of Pediatrics at the University of South Florida where she sees a variety of patients including pediatric, metabolic, adult, and cardiovascular patients. Melissa Racobaldo’s CV

Genetic Counseling Program Advisory Board

• Dr. Deborah Cragun, PhD, Assistant Professor and USF Genetic Counseling Program Director, College of Public Health
• Nevena Krstić, MS, CGC, Associate Director, USF Genetic Counseling Program, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine
• Dr. Kathleen Pope, MD, Assistant Professor and Medical Director, USF Genetic Counseling Program, College of Public Health
• Melissa Racobaldo, MS, CGC, Director of Fieldwork Training, USF Genetic Counseling Program, USF Pediatrics Division of Genetics and Metabolism, Morsani College of Medicine
• Jennifer Brzosowicz, MS, CGC, Moffitt Cancer Center
• Dr. Russell Kirby, PhD, USF Distinguished Professor and Marrell Endowed Chair, College of Public Health
• Laura Moreno, MS, LCGC, Cancer Treatment Centers of America — City of Hope, USF GC Program Alumna
• Dr. Sarah Običan, MD, Associate Professor, Division Chief of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine
• Dr. Tuya Pal, MD, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
• Dr. Judith Ranells, MD, Division of Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Morsani College of Medicine
• Darrow Speyer, MS, CGC, Invitae, Past President of Florida Association of Genetic Counselors
• Dr. Heather Zierhut, PhD, University of Minnesota Genetic Counseling Program Director

Clinical Rotations

Students of the USF Genetic Counseling Program complete two 7-week preparatory rotations during the spring semester of their first year. During the summer between their first and second years, students go on a 6-week full time rotation. During their second year, students complete a laboratory rotation, an industry rotation, and four 7-week core rotations over the course of the fall and spring semesters.

Clinical rotations during the academic year are in the Tampa Bay area, Orlando, Lakeland, and Sarasota. This requires that students have reliable transportation to get to their clinical rotations.   During the summer, students are encouraged to leave the Tampa Bay area to get experience with different clinics and populations. USF has established summer rotation sites in Gainesville, Miami, Orlando, and Sarasota, and the number of sites available for summer rotations will expand as we grow the genetic counseling profession in our state.  Students have also sought summer rotations in other states (usually where there is not already an established Genetic Counseling Program).

Other Experiences

During their time in our program, students attend the Genetic Counseling Book & Movie Club, USF Pediatric and USF Prenatal Grand Rounds, case conferences, tumor boards, and other activities and events to enhance their education. After their first year, students attend the annual Florida Association of Genetic Counselors (FLAGC) meeting, and in their second year, students attend the National Society of Genetic Counselors Annual Meeting (NSGC). 

Genetic counseling is a growing profession with a wide array of employment opportunities. Genetic counselors work in a variety of clinical, laboratory, industry, and research settings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of genetic counselors is expected to grow 16%, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. You can learn more about the genetic counseling profession by visiting the website of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC).

Graduates of the USF Genetic Counseling MSPH Concentration are able to sit for the ABGC Board Exam and become Certified Genetic Counselors, and this is the only program at USF with this opportunity. The first-time pass rate of the ABGC Board Exam for the three most recent graduating classes of all the USF Genetic Counseling Program is 85%, and 100% of all graduates have passed the ABGC Board Exam. 100% of our graduates have been employed in genetic counseling positions.  

USF Admission Requirements

(from Admissions - University of South Florida - Modern Campus Catalog™ (usf.edu))

Each applicant to a graduate degree program or graduate certificate at the University of South Florida is required to meet the following minimum requirements. Each College, Program, or Graduate Certificate may consider the rigor and strength of the academic program in making admissions decisions.  Graduate programs often require additional information and supporting documents.  Applicants should consult with the desired program of interest for additional requirements: 

• An applicant must have one of the following: 
  • A bachelor’s degree satisfying at least one of the following criteria: 
    • “B” average (3.00 on a 4.00 scale) or better in all work attempted while registered as an undergraduate student working toward a baccalaureate degree, or 
    • “B” average (3.00 on a 4.00 scale) or better in all work attempted while registered as a graduate student working for a graduate degree.
  • A bachelor’s degree with a “B” average or better and a previous graduate degree with a “B” average or better. In cases where an applicant has a bachelor’s and a graduate degree at the time of admission, the credentials and GPA of the graduate degree will be the determining factor for admission.
  • The equivalent bachelors and/or graduate degrees from a foreign institution. Bachelor’s degrees from institutions in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) are considered equivalent based on the Bologna Accord. For applicants with a 3-year Bachelor’s Degree with less than 120 hours, from Non-Bologna Accord Institutions, a transcript evaluation from a NACES member is required to confirm equivalency. 
• Submission of standardized test scores if required by the graduate degree program. Refer to individual major admission requirements for information. 

English Proficiency for International Applicants* 

Applicants from countries where English is not the official language must also demonstrate proficiency in English* as outlined in the section on English Proficiency. Applicants who earn a baccalaureate or equivalent degree at a foreign institution where English is the language of instruction (for the institution and not just the major) may meet this requirement. However, other related factors (including test scores) will also be considered. Medium of Instruction must be documented on the transcript or on an official Certificate of Medium of Instruction from the Institution 

The Department Chair/Graduate Director and/or College Dean must approve any exceptions to these requirements before they will be considered by the Office of Graduate Studies. The reason for the waiver and related documentation must be included on the Graduate Application Referral (GAR) form. 

*International students who are seeking employment as a teaching assistant (in departments that offer them) must meet additional English Language Requirements. 

MSPH Admission Requirements

(from Program: Public Health, M.S.P.H. - University of South Florida - Modern Campus Catalog™ (usf.edu)) 

Must meet University Admission and English Proficiency requirements, as well as requirements for admission to the major, listed below:  

• Official Transcripts (Sent ONLY to SOPHAS) 
• A thorough statement of purpose and objectives indicating the applicant’s interest on obtaining a degree in public health, and how they hope to contribute to the field. 
• Both SOPHAS and USF applications and fees are required for USF’s College of Public Health Graduate Programs. 
  • Complete a SOPHAS application at www.sophas.org and submit all required application materials to SOPHAS.  All application materials must be submitted only to SOPHAS. 
  • Then complete and submit the USF graduate application and fee at https://secure.vzcollegeapp.com/usf/.  Do not upload or submit any supplemental application materials directly to USF. 
  • Allow two to four weeks for SOPHAS to verify the application.  Make sure to follow up with SOPHAS regularly to meet all of their requirements to verify your application. 
  • Monitor the email that you provided in SOPHAS for application decisions and other communications. 
• Resume or curriculum vitae 
• At least two formal Letters of Recommendation 

Genetic Counseling Admission Preferences 

While not required, competitive applications to the USF Genetic Counseling Program have the following: 

• 3 formal Letters of Recommendation. 
• A statement of purpose that discusses the applicant’s interest in public health, genetic counseling, and USF’s Genetic Counseling Program. Preferred two pages maximum double spaced. 
• At least 1-2 semesters of coursework each of the following areas: 
  • Introductory Biology 
  • Upper-Level Biology (Cell Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, etc.) 
  • Genetics 
  • Statistics/Probability 
  • Psychology/Counseling 
• Prior experience in counseling or advocacy and a good understanding of the genetic counseling profession. 

*GRE scores are not required for the application to any MSPH Degree Program. 

Genetic Counseling Match Registration 

All applicants must register and pay a fee to participate in the Genetic Counseling Admissions Match that is administered by the National Matching Services. Only applicants registered for the Match can have their applications reviewed. Please visit the Genetic Counseling Admissions Match website for more information on the matching process, how to register, and the associated fee. 

Application Deadline

Applications to the USF Genetic Counseling Program must be submitted and verified by December 15 each year to be competitive for admission in the following Fall semester. Note that “Verified” is a different SOPHAS status from “Complete” or “Received”. 

If you have questions regarding the application process, SOPHAS, or the USF Graduate School Application, contact the College of Public Health Graduate Admissions Office at cophinfo@usf.edu.  

Degree Requirements

(from Program: Public Health, M.S.P.H. - University of South Florida - Modern Campus Catalog™ (usf.edu)) 

Curriculum Requirements

• Total Minimum Hours: 45 credit hours*
• Core Requirements - 9 Credit hours 
• Concentrations Requirements - 6 Credit hours minimum (varies by concentration) 
• Electives - number needed to meet the minimum of 45 credits for major** 
• Thesis - 6 Credit hours minimum 

*Students select elective graduate courses, as needed, and in consultation with their advisor, to meet minimum hours required for the Major.

Core Courses (9 Credit Hours)

• PHC 6588 History and Systems of Public Health Credit Hours: 1 
• PHC 6756 Population Assessment: Part 1 Credit Hours: 5 
• PHC 6757 Population Assessment: Part 2 Credit Hours: 3 

Genetic Counseling Requirements (20 Concentration Credit Hours) 

• PHC 6596 Introduction to Genetic Counseling Credit Hours: 1
• PHC 6595 Applied Clinical Genetics Credit Hours: 3 
• PHC 6593 Professional Development in Genetic Counseling Credit Hours: 1 
• PHC 6940 Clinical Practicum in Genetic Counseling Credit Hours: 1-6 (3 credits for this program) 
• PHC 6601 Human Genomics in Medicine and Public Health Credit Hours: 3 
• PHC 6450 Patient-centered Communication Credit Hours: 3 
• PHC 6408 Health Education and Counseling Credit Hours: 3 
• PHC 6939 Advanced Genetic Counseling Seminar Credit Hours: 3 

Genetic Counseling Electives 

Students select elective graduate courses, as needed, and in consultation with their advisor, to meet minimum hours required for the Major. 

*To qualify for the ABGC national certification exam after graduation to earn the Certified Genetic Counselor credential, students in the Genetic Counseling MSPH concentration are required to take specific elective courses as approved by the Genetic Counseling Program Leadership.   

Thesis (6 Credit Hours)

• PHC 6971 Thesis: Master of Science in Public Health Credit Hours: 2-19 (6 credits for this program) 

Comprehensive Exam 

An oral thesis proposal defense is required. At the discretion of the faculty mentor, students may be allowed to take a written or oral comprehensive examination, in lieu of the proposal defense.  

Both the thesis proposal defense and the final thesis defense are open to the public. 

Additional Information

Rotation Requirements 

Genetic Counseling clinical rotations are held throughout the Tampa Bay and Orlando Regions. Students complete two 7-week preparatory rotations in their first spring semester, a 6-week full-time summer rotation, and four 7-week rotations during their second year (two rotations per semester). These rotations are in the areas of cancer, pediatrics, and prenatal. Several sites have specialty clinics included in the overall rotation. Students are also required to complete a laboratory and industry rotation. For more information, see the Experiential Learning Section. 

Genetic Counseling Thesis 

All USF Genetic Counseling Students are required to complete a formal Master’s thesis. Although most genetic counselors do not go into research, the objective of conducting research is to help students develop skills in succinctly summarizing existing literature, problem-solving, data analysis, writing, evaluation, and critical thinking, which are useful skills in any settings genetic counselors practice. 

Each student will work with guidance from their Thesis Committee Chair and Members to create a defined research project for which the student is the principle investigator. During their first semester as part of PHC 6756 Population Assessment I, students will conduct a literature review. Then in the second semester students begin a 3-part clinical research course series, where they will refine or develop the research question and hypothesis, write the specific aims and research plan, and complete IRB forms (in some cases these may be amendments to existing studies). After this, the student will collect data, analyze it, and write a manuscript that is suitable to submit to a peer-reviewed journal. This step-by-step process over the course of their two years will help facilitate the publishing of student research.  

Comprehensive Exam and Practice Board Examination 

All USF Genetic Counseling students take a Comprehensive Exam at the end of their first year (in lieu of a thesis proposal defense). All students also take a practice board exam at the end of their second year in PHC 6939 Advanced Genetic Counseling Seminar. 

• USF is home to the first and only ACGC accredited Genetic Counseling Program in the state of Florida.  
• USF is the only Genetic Counseling Program to award an MSPH degree (Master of Science in Public Health). 
• USF graduated its first class of Genetic Counseling MSPH students in May 2019. 
• 96% of USF’s GC Graduates are employed in a genetic counseling or related position. 
• The USF GC Program has graduated all admitted students (0% attrition rate). 
• For the three most recent graduating classes (2021-2023), the USF Genetic Counseling Program has an 85% first-time pass rate on the American Board of Genetic Counseling’s Certification Examination, and the overall pass rate is 100%.
• Up-to-date information regarding tuition and fees can be found at the University Controller’s Office, but the estimated cost of tuition and fees for the 45-credit two-year program at the 2024-2025 rate are as follows: 
  • Florida Residents: $19,414.35 
  • Non-Florida Residents: $39,472.65 
• Students can find information regarding the cost of attendance on the Office of Financial Aid website (will vary by living situation). 

How can I learn more about the USF GC Program?

• We recommend review previous Open House Recordings, which include a presentation of the USF GC Program and a Q&A session with program faculty and students. We also recommend reviewing our full FAQ document.  If you have questions that are not answered on the website, in the FAQ document, or in the Open House recordings, you may email geneticcounseling@usf.edu. You may also email us if you would like to be added to our prospective student email list to be notified of opportunities and events for prospective GC students. 

How do I attend the Open House?

• The USF Genetic Counseling Program hosts an open house each fall semester. The date and information on the Open House are sent to the prospective student email list and posted on the program's Instagram page (usfgcprogram) in late summer each year. The Open House is a great opportunity to learn more about the field of genetic counseling and our program. Prospective students will have the opportunity to hear from our program director and leadership, current students, and clinical supervisors. The past several years the Open House has been a live virtual event co-hosted with the Florida Association of Genetic Counselors (FLAGC).  

How can I strengthen my application?     

• Have a familiarity with genetics and biology because they provide a foundation upon which the program builds. Courses in Introductory Biology, Upper-level Biology (Cell Biology, Microbiology, and/or Biochemistry), Genetics, Psychology/Counseling, and Statistics/Probability would strengthen an application. There is no ‘expiration date’ on coursework, but if a course was taken a long time ago applicants will want to demonstrate they have kept up with or brushed up on new information in the field and that they have a sufficient science background to succeed in the program. 
• Prior counseling or advocacy experience is highly encouraged. Examples include peer counseling, crisis hotlines, a pregnancy counseling center, or working with individuals who have genetic conditions or disabilities. 
• Applicants should have a good understanding of the genetic counseling profession. Many applicants accomplish this by shadowing or interviewing genetic counselors and by attending one of USF’s annual GC Open Houses or similar events at other institutions. A clear understanding of the genetic counseling profession can be conveyed through a well-written statement of purpose. 

Are there specific things USF’s GC Program looks for in an application?

• There is no single formula for success and we value a variety of experiences. USF’s GC Admissions Committee takes a holistic look at the applicants’ work/volunteer/life experiences and understanding of and passion for both genetic counseling and public health in the personal statement, letters of recommendation, and grades. 
• Applicants who demonstrate a familiarity with the genetic counseling profession and those with an interest in public health tend to stand out. 
• The USF GC Admissions Committee wants to hear why the applicant is interested in USF’s Genetic Counseling Program. 
• The overall undergraduate average GPA of students admitted to our program is a 3.5. 
• To get an idea of the variety of work and volunteer experiences students have had before coming to our program, you can look at the student bios on our Instagram page (usfgcprogram). For shadowing opportunities in Tampa and Orlando, see the FAQ document linked above. 

What is the student selection process for entrance into the USF GC Program?

• USF follows the same general admissions timeline as other genetic counseling graduate programs across North America and participates in the NMS GC-Match. See the Genetic Counseling Admissions Match website for more information on this process. 
• Typically, over 100 applications are verified through SOPHAS each year for USF’s GC Program to review. USF interviews approximately 30 students in late March and early April and accepts 5 students through NMS GC-Match (results released in late April). 
• The number of students the USF GC Program can accept is based on the number of clinical rotation sites and supervisors in the Tampa Bay, Orlando, and Sarasota areas. More positions may be available as we grow the genetic counseling workforce in our area. 

Do students see diverse populations during their clinical rotations?

• In Tampa and Orlando, we have diverse populations (including Spanish-speakers). 
• Miami has an even larger Spanish-speaking population, and we have opportunities for students to rotate in Miami with bilingual genetic counselors on the full-time summer rotation. 
• USF’s GC Program has graduated four Spanish-speaking genetic counselors, two of whom are now clinical supervisors for our program. 

Is it possible to complete the USF GC Program with a full-time job or online?

• Unfortunately, there is little flexibility in the program structure. The clinical rotations occur during the day, and the days of the week vary depending on the rotation site. Courses are generally held in the afternoon and evening. We do not have an option for students to attend part-time, since the order of courses is set and offered on a full-time schedule. 
• At this time, there is no online option for USF’s GC Program. Students must attend courses at USF’s Tampa Campus and complete clinical rotations in the Tampa Bay area. 

To learn more, please contact a Pre-Admissions Advisor at (813) 974-6505 or preadmissions@usf.edu.

Questions about the Genetic Counseling Program and requests to be added to the USF Genetic Counseling prospective student mailing list can be sent to geneticcounseling@usf.edu.

Follow our students on Instagram at usfgcprogram.