News

NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Xavier University of Louisiana celebrated its first Genetic Counseling Match Day this month, marking a historic milestone as the state’s first and only genetic counseling program and one of only two programs based at a Historically Black College or University. Xavier’s Master of Science in Genetic Counseling Program, developed in clinical partnership with Ochsner Health, successfully matched all five open spots for a 100% fill rate on April 16. The program selected top-ranked candidates for its inaugural class, which will begin in Fall 2025.

“This Match Day represents more than numbers; it symbolizes Xavier’s commitment to fostering inclusivity in the healthcare workforce. Our mission is to equip our students with the necessary skills to become ethical, compassionate, culturally aware, and forward-thinking genetic counselors,” said Adel Gilbert, Program Director of Xavier’s Genetic Counseling Program. “We are thrilled to welcome our first cohort of students who will help shape the future of personalized medicine and genetics across Louisiana and the Gulf South.”

The program features clinical rotations at Ochsner Health, with physicians and genetic counseling faculty members serving as instructors, fieldwork supervisors, and mentors. Students will gain practical, hands-on learning opportunities in leading healthcare environments throughout the region.

The 21-month curriculum combines classroom coursework, fieldwork rotations, and a capstone research project. The program aims to prepare graduates to lead in a rapidly evolving medical field and to make healthcare more accessible to communities across the Gulf South.

“We are proud to contribute to a rigorous and innovative curriculum that incorporates the latest technologies and emphasizes best practices in genetics and genetic counseling,” said Carl Tholen, Vice President of Medical Education at Ochsner Health.

Launched in late 2024, the genetic counseling program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling. Graduates will be eligible for board certification through the American Board of Genetic Counseling. By combining Xavier’s educational strengths with Ochsner’s healthcare innovation, the program seeks to become a national leader in training professionals to improve health outcomes through genetics and genomics.

Xavier University of Louisiana, celebrating its centennial, is the nation’s only historically Black and Catholic university. It is consistently ranked among the top HBCUs and is a national leader in STEM and health sciences. Xavier produces more African American graduates who complete medical school than any other university in the country and is a top producer of African American pharmacists. Founded in 1925 by Saint Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, Xavier offers programs across a wide range of disciplines and emphasizes service-learning, hands-on research, and leadership development. For more information, visit XULA.edu or contact University Communications at (504) 520-5162 or XULANews@XULA.edu.

Ochsner Health is the leading nonprofit healthcare provider in the Gulf South, with 46 hospitals and over 370 health and urgent care centers. U.S. News & World Report has named Ochsner the No. 1 hospital in Louisiana for 13 consecutive years, and Ochsner Children’s has been recognized as the top hospital for kids in Louisiana for four consecutive years. In 2024, Ochsner Health cared for more than 1.6 million people from across the United States and 63 countries. Its workforce includes over 40,000 team members and more than 4,900 physicians. For more information, visit ochsner.org.