Allied Health – Genetic Counseling

National Association of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) Genetic counselors are professionals who have specialized education in genetics and counseling to provide personalized help to patients to help them make decisions about their genetic health. They are trained to interpret genetic test results and to guide and support patients seeking more information. Additionally, some genetic counselors focus on research, including collecting information such as detailed family histories and pregnancy information, that helps researchers and advances care for people with genetic conditions.

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“Allied health encompasses a broad group of health professionals who use scientific principles and evidence-based practice for the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of acute and chronic diseases; promote disease prevention and wellness for optimum health, and apply administration and management skills to support health care systems in a variety of settings.” Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions (ASAHP, 2021)

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GENETIC COUNSELING ALLIED HEALTH GUIDE

This list covers the most frequently required prerequisites. Please see individual program websites for exact requirement information.

WHAT IS GENETIC COUNSELING?

UNDERGRADUATE PREREQUISITE COURSEWORK

  • Genetics
  • Biochemistry
  • Psychology
  • Statistics
  • Developmental Biology or Human Physiology
  • Ethics/Moral Philosophy

POTENTIAL WORKPLACE SETTINGS TO EXPLORE

  • Hospitals
  • Oncology Departments
  • Pediatrics Departments
  • Prenatal Departments
  • Private Genetic Research Labs
  • Private Practice

ADVANCED DEGREES

  • MS in Genetic Counseling
  • License accreditation from the National Society of Genetic Counseling

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

  • Genetics Professionals Groups (National Human Genome Research Institute)
  • Allied Health Professional Associations for Students

ADVANCED DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

  • Graduate Record Exam (GRE test scores)
  • References: academic, professional, genetic counselor reference is preferred
  • 1:1 volunteer counseling experience
  • Experience working with people through difficult situations for a significant period of time (ex. THREAD, after school programs, youth initiatives)
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