Training Genetic Counselors

To become a certified genetic counselor, individuals must graduate from a master’s program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC) and pass a certification examination given by the American Board of Genetic Counselors.  Currently, there is one program in Indiana which provide a master’s degree in genetic counseling, which is Indiana University in Indianapolis.

Most individuals pursuing a career in genetic counseling begin with a bachelor’s degree in medical sciences, biology, psychology, or other degrees with specific courses in genetics, upper-level sciences, math etc.  Individuals are encouraged to obtain experience in advocacy as well as shadowing or an internship with genetic counselors.  Opportunities for obtaining advocacy experience include volunteering with a crisis center or center for domestic violence among other possibilities.  You can use the form below to find genetic counselors in Indiana or the National Society of Genetic Counselors ( NSGC ) website to find genetic counselors around the country willing to have individuals shadow them.

Why should I become a genetic counselor?

The field of genetics is growing rapidly, and genetics is being incorporated into many different areas of medicine.  The demand and job opportunities for genetic counselors continue to grow.  Genetic counselors often indicate that they enjoy the blend of scientific knowledge and patient advocacy that genetic counseling offers.  Genetic counselors also have the opportunity to specialize in many different areas such as prenatal, pediatric, cancer, cardiology, industry, and more.  This diversity of practice provides a unique flexibility so that each genetic counselor can find a niche that matches their interests and goals.

How do I become a genetic counselor?

Genetic counselors must graduate from a master’s program that has been accredited by the Accreditation Council of Genetic Counseling. The genetic counseling master’s degree is typically two years of training in skills necessary to become a genetic counselor and may include traditional course work, laboratory experiences, research, and clinical rotations to gain first-hand skills.  After graduation, most employers require that the genetic counselor become certified by taking a certification examination administered by the American Board of Genetic Counseling.  Licensure is required in order to practice as a genetic counselor in Indiana and may be required in other states as well.

Why is shadowing a genetic counselor important?

Shadowing a genetic counselor can help you learn more about the profession and determine if genetic counseling is a career that is right for you. Shadowing a genetic counselor can also enhance your application to a genetic counseling graduate school program.

What type of shadowing options are available?

Shadowing options can be quite variable. Some centers/hospitals offer a one day shadowing option, while others may offer long term experiences that may be a semester or more.  These could include Genetic Counseling Assistant (GCA) positions that may either be paid or unpaid as well.

I am not sure if I am interested in shadowing a genetic counselor yet, but I would like to speak to one. How can I arrange this?

If you are just beginning to explore genetic counseling as a career, you may be interested in initially speaking with a genetic counselor to learn more about the profession before you commit to pursuing a shadowing experience.  Click HERE to find a genetic counselor in your area who can provide you with more information about this option.

What are the requirements to participate in shadowing a genetic counselor?

Requirements may vary depending on the center or hospital or different type of shadowing program/experience you choose to pursue, and some centers may have a specific application process.  Individuals pursuing a shadowing experience should have a genuine interest in becoming a genetic counselor.  Many centers require a student to be age 18 or older, submit proof of certain vaccinations, and be enrolled in or graduated from a university or college.  Preparing a resume and a personal statement about why you want to become a genetic counselor may also be required.  If a letter of recommendation is requested, the recommendation should attest to your academic background and any counseling skills you may have attained.

How should I prepare for attending a shadowing opportunity with a genetic counselor?

It might be helpful for you to research the type of genetic counseling being provided at the shadowing program before you go.  If you have a specific interest in a type of genetic counseling, you may want to reach out to a genetic counselor in that specific specialty to request to shadow in your area of interest.  Genetic clinics can be very busy, so keep that in mind when you are attending a shadowing experience.  Consider having a list of questions that you would like to know about the profession, such as how the clinic operates, what the genetic counselor likes and dislikes about their career, etc.

What should I wear when I shadow a genetic counselor?

You should check with your supervising genetic counselor about the recommended dress code, but in general, you will be expected to dress professionally (i.e. no jeans, T-shirts, work-out wear, etc.)

How can I learn more about different genetic counseling shadowing opportunities?

Click HERE to find a list of genetic counseling clinics in your area who can provide you with more information about available shadowing programs.

  • To find out more about shadowing a GC specifically at Indiana University or Indiana University Health, you can call 317-278-0298 or click HERE for more information.

How do I apply to a genetic counseling master’s program?

As previously stated, most applicants have an undergraduate degree (typically a BS or BA) in life science or healthcare-related field such as biology, psychology, genetics, pre-med, etc.  In addition, a competitive applicant with also participate in extracurricular activities to gain advocacy experience through volunteer experiences at crisis shelters or other similar groups as well as shadowing genetic counselors.  Once you have met the requirements to apply to a genetic counseling program, you must register through the National Match Service as well as apply to each individual university.  Application requirements vary by school and typically include your undergraduate transcript, GRE scores, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation.  The due dates for applications also vary, but are typically between December and January.  Most programs interview selected applicants in the spring followed by a national Match Day (applicants notified of acceptance or denial from every program in the country) in late April for the classes beginning in the following Fall.

Director of the Genetic Counseling Program at Indiana University

What resources are available to learn more about the career?