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Healthcare professionals will increasingly use knowledge about genomics to meet the needs of their patients. This page provides essential genomics competencies, practice guidelines, and curricular resources for a variety of health professions.

Genomics Competencies

Genetic and Genomic Nursing: Competencies, Curricula Guidelines and Outcome Indicators, 2nd Edition
Establishes the minimum basis with which to prepare the nursing workforce to deliver competent genetic and genomic focused nursing care. First edition - Competencies and Curricula Guidelines established by Consensus Panel, September 21-22, 2005 and published by the American Nurses Association, Silver Spring, Md 2006. Second edition - Outcome Indicators established by Consensus, June 2008.

Essential Nursing Competencies and Curricula Guidelines for Genetics and Genomics: Outcome Indicators
The Outcome Indicators are an adjunct to the Essential Nursing Competencies and Curricula Guidelines for Genetics and Genomics and are intended to define for each competency the knowledge and practice indicators. The knowledge and practice indicators are not intended to be prescriptive but provide a guide to the user of essential knowledge elements and suggested practice indicators. To be consistent with the competencies, definitions will be identical between the two documents. Genetic and genomic information will be used as the context for defining knowledge and practice indicators for each competency.

Genomic Nursing Competency Implementation Strategic Plan
A Genomic Nursing Competency Implementation Strategic Plan Panel was convened on September 16, 2013. Panelists reviewed progress made from the 2006-2011 Strategic Plan, heard testimony from key stakeholder groups, and were charged with creating a new Strategic Plan consisting of options, opportunities, strategies, partners and collaborators. The draft plan was further refined using an online modified Delphi survey resulting in the final document posted here. The 2014-2020 Strategic Plan Mission is: basic competency in genetics and genomics for all nurses. The 2014-2020 Strategic Plan Vision is that this will result in improved health of the public with awareness and utilization of genomics by nursing.

A Blueprint for Genomic Nursing Science
This genomic nursing science blueprint summary provides the framework for furthering genomic nursing science to improve health outcomes. This blueprint, an independent recommendation of an advisory panel with input from the public, targets research to build the evidence base to inform integration of genomics into nursing practice and regulation.

Genomic Nursing Science Blueprint: Next Steps Meeting Summary and Notes
A meeting was held August 28, 2014 at the National Institutes of Health to determine strategies to facilitate genomic nursing research based on Blueprint recommendations (see links above). The attached executive summary and notes provide insights regarding identified researcher resources and gaps, exemplar models to be considered as a framework to support research, and platform options for promotion of genomic nursing research and collaboration. Next steps include: creation of topic specific work-groups to facilitate the development and organization of a Genomic Research Consortium.

Korf BR, Berry AB, Limson M, Marian AJ, Murray MF, O'Rourke PP, Passamani ER, Relling MV, Tooker J, Tsongalis GJ, Rodriguez LL. Framework for development of physician competencies in genomic medicine: report of the Competencies Working Group of the Inter-Society Coordinating Committee for Physician Education in Genomics. Genet Med, doi: 10.1038/gim.2014.35. 2014.

Physician Assistants and Genomic Medicine Meeting Summary
The goals of this meeting were to: 1) provide an opportunity for the Physician Assistant organizations to share information regarding their activities in the arena of genetics and genomics, 2) identify gaps and means to close them, 3) discuss potential roles for the participating organizations in expanding the knowledge base of Physician Assistant faculty, students and graduates regarding the application of genomics to healthcare, and 4) plan next steps for all of the organizations in attendance.

Development of a competency-based genomic education resource for physicians

NHGRI Short Course in Genomics: Nurse, Physician Assistant and Faculty Track
The Genomic Healthcare Branch is offering the NHGRI Short Course in Genomics: Nurse, Physician Assistant and Faculty Track from August 8 - August 11, 2017. This year's course is for nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and the faculty who educate these health professionals in genomics.

Guide to Interpreting Genomic Reports: A Genomics Toolkit (CSER Consortium; February 2017)
Genomic tests and their results are new to most healthcare providers. These reports are complex, involving scientific and technical concepts not generally learned in medical school. The Practitioner Education Working Group of the NHGRI Clinical Sequencing Exploratory Research (CSER) consortium developed this web-based guide for non-genetics practitioners to explain the different types of data found in whole genome sequencing (WGS) or whole exome sequencing (WES) test reports. The goal of this guide is to provide a resource to a physician (or other practitioner) who may be caring for a patient who has had WGS or WES performed and is uncertain what the different categories in the test report (diagnostic, incidental, carrier) mean and what type of next steps should be considered, and helpful links. There is also an embedded glossary of genomic terms.

The NIH Family Health History Tool (FHHT) Conference
The NIH Family Health History Tool Conference will meet on June 14 and 15, 2016. It is sponsored by the Genomic Healthcare Branch (GHB), Division of Policy, Communications, and Education (DPCE), National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). The overarching goal is "To prepare the FHHT field to improve personal health by responding effectively to rapid changes in Family Health History (FHH) data uses, Health Information Technology (HIT) capabilities, and research opportunities."

The Genomics in Medicine Lecture Series
The Genomics in Medicine Lecture Series is sponsored by the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), in collaboration with Suburban Hospital and Johns Hopkins. The series aims to enhance health-care professionals' understanding of the intersection between genomics and medicine.

Genetics in Clinical Practice: A Team Approach
Offered by Dartmouth University's Interactive Media Laboratory, this downloadable course based on the "Virtual Practicum" model is intended for health care providers where knowledge of clinical genetics can positively affect outcomes. Note: This course is offered free by download with a high-speed internet connection. NHGRI does not endorse, encourage or require purchasing this product.

Summer Genetics Institute (SGI)
The Summer Genetics Institute (SGI) is a one-month intensive research training program at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland, sponsored by the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR). The SGI provides a foundation in molecular genetics for use in research and clinical practice.

  • Genomics Competencies

    Genetic and Genomic Nursing: Competencies, Curricula Guidelines and Outcome Indicators, 2nd Edition
    Establishes the minimum basis with which to prepare the nursing workforce to deliver competent genetic and genomic focused nursing care. First edition - Competencies and Curricula Guidelines established by Consensus Panel, September 21-22, 2005 and published by the American Nurses Association, Silver Spring, Md 2006. Second edition - Outcome Indicators established by Consensus, June 2008.

    Essential Nursing Competencies and Curricula Guidelines for Genetics and Genomics: Outcome Indicators
    The Outcome Indicators are an adjunct to the Essential Nursing Competencies and Curricula Guidelines for Genetics and Genomics and are intended to define for each competency the knowledge and practice indicators. The knowledge and practice indicators are not intended to be prescriptive but provide a guide to the user of essential knowledge elements and suggested practice indicators. To be consistent with the competencies, definitions will be identical between the two documents. Genetic and genomic information will be used as the context for defining knowledge and practice indicators for each competency.

    Genomic Nursing Competency Implementation Strategic Plan
    A Genomic Nursing Competency Implementation Strategic Plan Panel was convened on September 16, 2013. Panelists reviewed progress made from the 2006-2011 Strategic Plan, heard testimony from key stakeholder groups, and were charged with creating a new Strategic Plan consisting of options, opportunities, strategies, partners and collaborators. The draft plan was further refined using an online modified Delphi survey resulting in the final document posted here. The 2014-2020 Strategic Plan Mission is: basic competency in genetics and genomics for all nurses. The 2014-2020 Strategic Plan Vision is that this will result in improved health of the public with awareness and utilization of genomics by nursing.

    A Blueprint for Genomic Nursing Science
    This genomic nursing science blueprint summary provides the framework for furthering genomic nursing science to improve health outcomes. This blueprint, an independent recommendation of an advisory panel with input from the public, targets research to build the evidence base to inform integration of genomics into nursing practice and regulation.

    Genomic Nursing Science Blueprint: Next Steps Meeting Summary and Notes
    A meeting was held August 28, 2014 at the National Institutes of Health to determine strategies to facilitate genomic nursing research based on Blueprint recommendations (see links above). The attached executive summary and notes provide insights regarding identified researcher resources and gaps, exemplar models to be considered as a framework to support research, and platform options for promotion of genomic nursing research and collaboration. Next steps include: creation of topic specific work-groups to facilitate the development and organization of a Genomic Research Consortium.

    Korf BR, Berry AB, Limson M, Marian AJ, Murray MF, O'Rourke PP, Passamani ER, Relling MV, Tooker J, Tsongalis GJ, Rodriguez LL. Framework for development of physician competencies in genomic medicine: report of the Competencies Working Group of the Inter-Society Coordinating Committee for Physician Education in Genomics. Genet Med, doi: 10.1038/gim.2014.35. 2014.

    Physician Assistants and Genomic Medicine Meeting Summary
    The goals of this meeting were to: 1) provide an opportunity for the Physician Assistant organizations to share information regarding their activities in the arena of genetics and genomics, 2) identify gaps and means to close them, 3) discuss potential roles for the participating organizations in expanding the knowledge base of Physician Assistant faculty, students and graduates regarding the application of genomics to healthcare, and 4) plan next steps for all of the organizations in attendance.

    Development of a competency-based genomic education resource for physicians

    NHGRI Short Course in Genomics: Nurse, Physician Assistant and Faculty Track
    The Genomic Healthcare Branch is offering the NHGRI Short Course in Genomics: Nurse, Physician Assistant and Faculty Track from August 8 - August 11, 2017. This year's course is for nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and the faculty who educate these health professionals in genomics.

    Guide to Interpreting Genomic Reports: A Genomics Toolkit (CSER Consortium; February 2017)
    Genomic tests and their results are new to most healthcare providers. These reports are complex, involving scientific and technical concepts not generally learned in medical school. The Practitioner Education Working Group of the NHGRI Clinical Sequencing Exploratory Research (CSER) consortium developed this web-based guide for non-genetics practitioners to explain the different types of data found in whole genome sequencing (WGS) or whole exome sequencing (WES) test reports. The goal of this guide is to provide a resource to a physician (or other practitioner) who may be caring for a patient who has had WGS or WES performed and is uncertain what the different categories in the test report (diagnostic, incidental, carrier) mean and what type of next steps should be considered, and helpful links. There is also an embedded glossary of genomic terms.

    The NIH Family Health History Tool (FHHT) Conference
    The NIH Family Health History Tool Conference will meet on June 14 and 15, 2016. It is sponsored by the Genomic Healthcare Branch (GHB), Division of Policy, Communications, and Education (DPCE), National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). The overarching goal is "To prepare the FHHT field to improve personal health by responding effectively to rapid changes in Family Health History (FHH) data uses, Health Information Technology (HIT) capabilities, and research opportunities."

    The Genomics in Medicine Lecture Series
    The Genomics in Medicine Lecture Series is sponsored by the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), in collaboration with Suburban Hospital and Johns Hopkins. The series aims to enhance health-care professionals' understanding of the intersection between genomics and medicine.

    Genetics in Clinical Practice: A Team Approach
    Offered by Dartmouth University's Interactive Media Laboratory, this downloadable course based on the "Virtual Practicum" model is intended for health care providers where knowledge of clinical genetics can positively affect outcomes. Note: This course is offered free by download with a high-speed internet connection. NHGRI does not endorse, encourage or require purchasing this product.

    Summer Genetics Institute (SGI)
    The Summer Genetics Institute (SGI) is a one-month intensive research training program at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland, sponsored by the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR). The SGI provides a foundation in molecular genetics for use in research and clinical practice.

Genomics Curricula

Genomics in Nursing Special Issue and Webinars
Nurses bring an important perspective to the application of genomics in patient care. A Genomics in Nursing Special Issue has been published in the Journal of Nursing Scholarship regarding genomics of common health conditions with relevance for nursing practice. The issue consists of an editorial and 11 articles, all intended to provide a platform for preparing both the practicing and academic communities for the translation of genomics into practice. The articles provide an overview of: current and emerging genomic science and technology; ethical, legal, social, and nursing research issues associated with the translation of genomics into healthcare; the state of the evidence about genomic variation and clinical implications for common diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, and cancer; content about both pediatric and adult conditions; and implications for international care. A video about this special issue is available at www.genome.gov/27552312/journal-of-nursing-scholarship-genomic-nursing-webinar-series/.

Genetics of Complex Disease - Dr. Lawrence Brody
Lecture from the 2014 NHGRI Summer Workshop in Genomics (Short Course)

Genetics in Primary Care
Training program curriculum materials

Information for Genetics Professionals
Educational, clinical, and research resource
American College of Medical Genetics

American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology

American Society of Clinical Oncology

Association of Professors of Human and Molecular Genetics

Genetics Education Program for Nurses
Links to genetics resources of particular interest to nurses.

Genomics in Physician Assistant Practice
An article series on genomics from the Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants that demonstrates how genetics is becoming the fundamental science for all health care providers and how it has, and soon will, influence clinical practice for Physician Assistants (PA).

Genetics Home Reference Handbook: Help Me Understand Genetics

Genetic Testing Registry

Last updated: October 9, 2019