Genetic counseling gives you information about how genetic conditions might affect you or your family. Genetic counselors collect personal and family health histories and use this information to determine how likely it is that a patient or family member has a genetic condition. Based on this information, genetic counselors can help patients decide whether genetic testing might be appropriate (CDC). People may utilize genetic counseling to see if they are carrying a gene for a cancer, when they are planning for pregnancy, and more.
To become a genetic counselor, you must receive a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and apply to master's programs in the field. There are 55 accredited Genetic Counseling Master's programs in the United States. Programs vary in their requirements, though most require the GRE and coursework related to genetics, psychology, statistics, and biochemistry.
Each program has its own set of prerequisites, so it is important to research individual programs that interest you. Common prerequisites include (but are not limited to):
- Statistics
- Inorganic Chemistry with lab(s)
- Organic Chemistry with lab(s)
- Biochemistry
- Advanced Genetics
- Psychology
*Additional information is available on the HPAO Canvas Course. Students are encouraged to meet with HPAO if they need help determining which UMD courses can be used to fulfill these requirements.
Pro Tips:
-
Schools generally require a minimum of a C (not a C-) in all prerequisite courses.
-
Refer to 4yearplans.umd.edu for specific guidance on how to proceed through these courses while creating your 4-year plan.
-
There are many Minors that cover topics critical to expanding understanding of the various determinants of health. Coursework related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion can be helpful in developing cultural awareness, cultural humility, and an understanding of systemic discrimination in the health care system. Even if your academic plan does not permit adding a minor, it is worth reviewing the curated course lists for courses that will stretch you, increase your language for difference and disparity, show your intellectual curiosity, and improve your critical reasoning skills.
Many schools require you to have counseling or crisis intervention experience as well as experience shadowing a genetic counselor. That being said, programs understand that genetic counselors may not always be available for shadowing in an applicant’s location. Having telephone conversations or interviewing genetic counselors about their job may be ways to bolster your experience in the field if shadowing is difficult. Please utilize the links below to find a genetic counselor near you.
To gain counseling or crisis intervention experience, applicants typically find experiences from many different settings including: Planned Parenthood, domestic abuse shelters, crisis hotlines, peer counseling, homeless shelters, hospice care, or working with individuals with physical disabilities or intellectual impairment. Many state counties and universities have volunteer crisis hotlines (including UMD and Montgomery County).
Alumni Blog: Genetic Counseling
There are currently no alumni blog posts tagged with genetic counseling.