Genetic Counseling Training Information

Genetic Counseling Training Information

Are you interested in becoming a genetic counselor? This webpage contains information about undergraduate education, preparation for graduate school in genetic counseling and resources to assist students with the admissions process. For more information about the field of genetic counseling, please visit our About Genetic Counseling website.

Undergraduate College

Genetic counseling graduate programs require applicants to have a Bachelor's degree prior to starting graduate school. Students who are interested in genetic counseling may choose majors including:

  • Sciences such as biology, genetics, molecular biology, and neuroscience
  • Social sciences such as psychology or sociology

Majoring in one of the above subjects is not usually a requirement to get into a genetic counseling graduate program. However, students interested in genetic counseling may find this coursework relatable to genetic counseling and some programs may have class prerequisites that overlap with these majors.

Resources for Applying to College

Preparation for Graduate School

It’s important to learn more about genetic counseling to see if it may be a good fit for you. Searching online can be a great way to start learning about genetic counseling. This article from Indeed.com can help you learn more about the field of genetic counseling. The UAGCGP also has information about the field of genetic counseling for prospective students.

Learn about Master’s Program Prerequisite Requirements

Most graduate programs in genetic counseling require students to have certain prerequisites in order to be admitted to the program. Some examples of the requirements include:

  • Bachelor’s degree from a four-year university
  • Classes in genetics, chemistry, biology or social sciences
  • Experience in advocacy, medical or laboratory settings
  • While many programs are phasing out the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) requirement, check with each program’s admission requirements for more information.

Information about the University of Arizona’s Genetic Counseling program requirements can be found here: https://gcgp.uahs.arizona.edu/admissions/prerequisites

Specific course and other prerequisite requirements vary by school. Find links to other accredited genetic counseling programs and their requirements through the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC) website.

Gaining Relevant Experience

Additional experiences can help build your understanding about genetic counseling and make your application to a genetic counseling graduate program more competitive. Below are some of the many experiences that can help become more familiar with the field or gain transferable skills.

  • Shadowing a genetic counselor can be a great way to learn more about the field.
  • Virtual or phone informational interviews can be a great option for those unable to shadow or meet with a genetic counselor in person.
  • Genetic Counseling Assistant (GCA) - GCAs assist and support genetic counselors with administrative tasks such as collecting patient chart information, scheduling appointments, coordinating genetic testing, and more. Some people who are interested in genetic counseling find that working as a GCA helps them learn more about the field.
  • Advocacy and counseling positions support others or work to bring about a positive change. One example may include working in a shelter or as a guidance counselor.
  • Laboratory work or previous research experience
  • Healthcare experience
  • Teaching, tutoring or other educational experience
  • Learn more about the field of genetic counseling through videos, podcasts, books and more.
    • Videos:
    • Podcasts:
      • There are a variety of genetic counseling podcasts that can be found through a search online.
      • The NSGC has a podcast called NSGC Podcast Series
    • Books:
      • Reading books is a great way to gain a better understanding of the field of genetic counseling. This book list contains a wide variety of books that can be used to help you better understand the field. 
    • Attend events
      • Events may include case conferences, program open houses, genetic seminars, and more.
      • Some accredited schools may list upcoming events on their genetic counseling program page.
      • There are also a variety of accounts on social media that are intended for prospective genetic counseling students.
      • These accounts may share resources and event information.
        • Arizona Genetics Alliance Instagram, focused towards people in Arizona

Application Process

Many programs open applications around September with due dates ranging from December to January. The application process is very competitive, so starting early and asking questions can be helpful. Common application components include a resume or CV, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and transcripts from undergraduate education. Programs’ applications vary in cost and content, so visit each program’s website for details.

Deciding which programs to apply to is an important step in the application process. Find an updated list of accredited genetic counseling programs on the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC) website. Some ways to learn more about programs may include:

  • Visiting program websites to learn details about the program
  • Emailing program faculty or  current students to learn more
  • Attending open houses that some programs host

Some factors that people may keep in mind when deciding which programs to apply to include:

  • Cost of living and tuition
  • Class size
  • Financial aid options
  • Location
  • Personality or atmosphere of program
  • Campus
  • Housing options
  • If a car is recommended or not
  • Curriculum
  • Rotations (when they start, how long they are, etc)
  • Requirements for application

Application Process Resources

If you are currently attending or recently attended a university, application assistance may be available. Check with your school for more information. All current University of Arizona students and alumni that have graduated in the past year can schedule a one-on-one appointment with a Career Peer Coach or Career Educator in Handshake. Appointments are available in person, virtually on  Zoom, email or phone. The University of Arizona also has a collection of resources to help with the application process.

Some accredited genetic counseling programs hold events to assist with application materials.

Resume/CV

A resume or CV may be required on applications and is a great way to showcase your experience.  The following article discusses the difference between a CV and resume, while links within the article teach more about writing them.

Personal Statement and Writing Prompts

Applications may require a personal statement or responses to specific writing prompts. A personal statement is an essay that gives you the opportunity to show who you are and why you are a good fit for the program. This link has more information on writing a personal statement.

Letters of Recommendation

The University of Arizona and other genetic counseling programs require letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation are written by people that have seen your academic or professional work. Letters should come from a professional reference, not personal friends or family members. When asking for a strong letter of recommendation, it is important to give at least three to six weeks for the writer to craft their letter. Remember that some people may have a lot on their plate and need longer. Make sure to ask someone who will write a positive reference.

See the resources below for more information on letters of recommendation.

Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)

The GRE is a standardized exam that is required for some graduate programs. Many programs are phasing out the GRE requirement, so check with the program’s admission requirements for updated information. The University of Arizona does not require a GRE test for applicants.

English Proficiency

Proof of English proficiency is required for international applicants who hold citizenship from a country where English is not the official language. Each program and University will have specific requirements for demonstrating English language proficiency. Find more on the University of Arizona’s policies and resources.

Interviews and Match

Preparing for Interviews

After applications are processed, programs will contact students who were selected for an interview. Most interviews take place between February through April. Programs may differ in whether they host interviews in-person or online. Visit the program’s website for updated information on their interview format. It is important to understand genetic counseling, why you are interested in the career, why you want to attend the school you’re applying to and how your experiences make you a strong fit. Some people find it helpful to practice interview questions. There are a variety of common interview questions available online.

​​​​​​​Genetic Counseling Admissions Match

The Genetic Counseling Admissions Match is a program used to match applicants to genetic counseling programs. Accredited programs use Match, and require Match registration as part of the application. Learn about the Match system and find important dates at the official website. There is a fee for the match system, and applicants can apply for a fee waiver. Find out more about the fee waiver on the match website.

​​​​​​​After interviewing for schools, applicants rank participating schools in the Match system. Rank schools you can and will attend, and by order you want to attend. You will be matched with one school at most. If matched, that is the school you will be attending for your program. Find more information on ranking strategies at https://natmatch.com/gcadmissions/applicants/strategy.html. 

Scholarships and Resources

In addition to tuition, many parts of applying to and attending graduate school have additional fees that students are required to pay. The information below can help direct you to programs and information about how to offset these costs associated with graduate school.

  • Match
  • School application fees
    • Some schools offer application fee waivers. See each school’s website for more information.
  • Scholarships
    • Each school may have different scholarship options available. See each school’s website for more information.
    • If admitted for a school, there may be a general scholarship portal available where students can apply to any fitting scholarships each semester.
    • The University of Arizona lists scholarships for graduate and undergraduate students on the Financial Aid Office website. 
    • If you are an Arizona resident and part of a tribal nation, you may be eligible for the University of Arizona Native Scholars grant for native undergraduate students. Learn more
    • If you are part of a federally recognized tribal nation, check with your Tribal Nation for any scholarships.
      • If you are part of the Tohono O’odham Nation, a scholarship may be available to you. Learn more

Information and Resources to Learn More

Diversity Resources

  • The Minority Genetics Professional Network (MGPN) was formed to increase access to genetic services for communities of color by addressing the limited racial and ethnic diversity among medical genetic professionals. The MGPN has collected additional resources available on their website. 
  • The UArizona Immigrant Resource Center has resources for students from immigrant and refugee backgrounds who are in undergraduate school or who are interested in graduate or professional school. Look under the tab “student services” to learn more about resources for current or prospective students.
  • For information on diversity and resource centers at the University of Arizona, including support to cultural, LGBTQIA+, and disability groups please see https://diversity.arizona.edu/cultural-and-resource-centers

These resources were developed by UAGCGP student, Juliana Williams (Class of 2024), as part of her capstone project.