NEW ORLEANS – Xavier University of Louisiana (Xavier) proudly celebrated its inaugural Genetic Counseling Match Day this month, marking a historic milestone as Louisiana’s first and only genetic counseling program and one of just two such programs housed at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU).
Xavier’s Master of Science in Genetic Counseling Program, in clinical partnership with Ochsner Health, successfully matched all five open spots with students for a 100% fill rate on April 16. Program leaders filled top-ranked candidates for its first incoming class, reflecting a strong start and promising future. Rooted in academic excellence, the program aims to improve health outcomes and will demonstrate exceptional community impact. The inaugural cohort 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, Xavier University of Louisiana 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.”
A signature initiative of Xavier, the program features clinical rotations at Ochsner. Physician and genetic counseling faculty members serve as course instructors, fieldwork supervisors, and student mentors, providing students with practical, hands-on learning opportunities in some of the region’s leading healthcare environments.
Through a rigorous 21-month curriculum that blends didactic coursework, fieldwork rotations, and a capstone research project, the program aims to produce graduates who are not only prepared to lead in a rapidly evolving medical field but are also deeply committed to promoting the health of individuals and making healthcare more accessible to all communities throughout 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, Ochsner Health.
The genetic counseling program launched late last year and is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC). Graduates will be eligible for board certification through the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC). By combining Xavier’s legacy of educational excellence with Ochsner’s healthcare innovation, the program seeks to be a national leader in preparing professionals equipped to improve health outcomes by providing cutting-edge research and medicine in genetics and genomics.
For more information about the program or admissions, visit: XULA.edu/graduateschool/genetic-counseling or email geneticcounseling@xula.edu.
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About Xavier University of Louisiana
Celebrating its first 100 years of service, Xavier University of Louisiana remains America’s only historically Black and Catholic University. It is ranked among the top HBCUs in the nation and is recognized as a national leader in STEM and health sciences. Xavier has historically produced more African American students who graduate from medical schools each year than any other university in the United States. Additionally, Xavier’s College of Pharmacy is among the country’s top producers of African American pharmacists. Established in 1925 by Saint Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, Xavier has since expanded its programs in nearly every industry, including the arts, sciences, business, education, pharmacy, and political science. Xavier students receive an unbeatable experience of traditional classroom study, hands-on research, service-learning opportunities, and life experiences, collaborating with world-renowned faculty and topic experts. The winning Xavier formula provides students with a well-balanced curriculum and an environment that nurtures their intellect and feeds their souls, developing all who choose to learn at the institution into the next generation of leaders and agents of positive change. Blessed with a mission to promote a more just and humane society, Xavier is leading the way to a brighter future for all. For more information about Xavier University of Louisiana, visit XULA.edu or contact the University Communications at (504) 520-5162 or XULANews@XULA.edu.
About Ochsner Health
Ochsner Health is the leading nonprofit healthcare provider in the Gulf South, delivering expert care at its 46 hospitals and more than 370 health and urgent care centers. For 13 consecutive years, U.S. News & World Report has recognized Ochsner as the No. 1 hospital in Louisiana. Additionally, Ochsner Children’s has been recognized as the No. 1 hospital for kids in Louisiana for four consecutive years. Ochsner inspires healthier lives and stronger communities through a combination of standard-setting expertise, quality and connection not found anywhere else in the region. In 2024, Ochsner Health cared for more than 1.6 million people from every state in the nation and 63 countries. Ochsner’s workforce includes more than 40,000 dedicated team members and over 4,900 employed and affiliated physicians. To learn more about how Ochsner empowers people to get well and stay well, visit
https://www.ochsner.org/.
Posted By: Reginald Culpepper
Monday, April 28th 2025 at 8:05PM
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