A Guide to Graduate Programs in Genetic Counseling   By Frankie Fann, MS, CGC Certified Genetic Counselor  So, you want to apply to a genetic counseling graduate program? Congrats on discovering the amazing world of genetic counseling! You may be asking yourself, where should I start? The process can seem overwhelming, but this guide will help you to better understand how to determine which programs to apply to and what the application process looks like. Introduction to Genetic Counseling (GC) Graduate ProgramsGenetic counseling is a master’s level profession. This field requires an advanced degree given that genetic counselors must be knowledgeable in not only [...]

Exploring Salaries: Genetic Counselor Earnings By Michelle Jackson, MS, CGC Certified Genetic Counselor Genetic counselors have advanced training in medical genetics and counseling to guide and support patients seeking information about how inherited diseases and conditions might affect them or their families, and to interpret genetic test results based on your personal and family history. In addition to different specialty areas, genetic counselors can have roles outside of seeing patients, such as, research, education, industry, marketing, and many other roles across the healthcare and genetics fields that continue to evolve. There are many reasons individuals are drawn to the profession of genetic counseling.  In [...]

Pathway To Success: Becoming A Genetic Counselor By Jessica Shiles, MS, CGC Certified Genetic Counselor What is Genetic Counseling and Why It Might Be Your Dream CareerWell, “it’s complicated”, but generally, genetic counseling is a vital healthcare profession that blends medical genetics with compassionate communication, helping individuals and families understand genetic conditions and make informed health decisions. It is a challenging, yet rewarding career that continues to increase in demand as advancements in genomics and personalized medicine continue to evolve. If your journey to becoming a genetic counselor (GC) is just beginning, this blog is designed to help guide you through the [...]

Navigating the National Matching Service for Genetic Counseling  If you’re interested in applying to genetic counseling graduate programs this admissions cycle, you may want to become familiar with the National Matching Service (NMS) for genetic counseling which is utilized by almost every ACGC accredited program nationwide. Learning how the NMS system functions and tracking critical deadlines are key to a successful genetic counseling program application process. In 1985, Elliott Peranson and Alvin Roth developed a sophisticated computer-based algorithm that was applied to the medical community as a means for placing physicians into residency programs across the United States. The system [...]

Educational Journey: Genetic Counselor Schooling By: Tripti Paudyal, MS, CGC Certified Genetic Counselor Genetic counselors are an integral part of a healthcare team and serve as educators not only to patients but also to physicians and other medical staff. Genetic counselors may practice as part of large academic centers and health systems or in small community practices. The field of genetic counseling is evolving so much that we see genetic counselors specializing not only in more traditional roles such as pediatrics and ob-gyn, but also in more specific areas such as ophthalmology, neurology, or cardiology. Furthermore, today, genetic counselors also work in industries [...]

A Comprehensive Guide to Genetic Counseling Education Programs  By Cory McHale, MS, CGC Certified Genetic Counselor Interested in pursuing a career in genetic counseling? Excellent. You’ve taken the first step! To set yourself on a path toward a successful career in personalized medicine, your next task is to select the education program that best fits you. There are an increasing number of available accredited programs. A “choose your own adventure” to your career awaits! Read on for a guide to help you find your way. Genetic counseling as a clinical service has existed for over 50 years. Awareness and access to genetic counseling [...]