Fieldwork

The Brandeis internship structure provides students with the following benefits:

In addition, all students are provided with the following:

Training Structure

Sites

The Brandeis genetic counseling program's central location in Waltham, Massachusetts, provides easy access to genetic counselors working in Boston and Worcester, Massachusetts; Providence, Rhode Island; and southern New Hampshire.

For their clinical rotations, students benefit from exposure to a variety of patient populations, referral indications, service-delivery models, counseling styles and work environments. Our location also allows students to rotate with genetic counselors working in laboratories, industry, specialty clinics and research.

The majority of fieldwork sites are within 60 miles. Many are accessible via public transportation, while others require a car. In order for students to take advantage of the variety of fieldwork opportunities, we recommend having access to a car. For students who do not own a car, Zipcar or renting a car are an option.

Commonly Utilized Fieldwork Sites

Clinical Rotations
Laboratory Rotations

Students will rotate through either one of several laboratories in the New England area or do a virtual rotation with a variety of laboratories across the United States. This enables students to gain exposure to evolving industry roles for genetic counselors and better understand laboratory testing procedures.

Flex Rotations

Genetic counseling students are offered the option to choose a rotation that is tailored to their professional interests. Possible options include an additional rotation in a fundamental practice area, specialty clinic, advocacy organization, research or industry. For example, Rare New England is an advocacy organization to improve health care experiences for families with rare disease.

Some of the activities for rotations that do not involve direct patient care are described in the chart below.

Rotation Type Activities
Advocacy Resource development; organization of hearings, testimonies, bills; event planning and outreach; creation of marketing materials; social media promotion.
Laboratory Test accessioning; test interpretation; reporting; documentation of results; communication of information with ordering providers and patients; attendance at team meetings; creation of marketing materials; literature review.
Research Maintenance and development of IRB protocols; recruitment; data analysis; preparation of manuscripts and posters; attendance at team meetings; development of educational materials.