About NSGC
Mission and Vision
The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) promotes the professional interests of genetic counselors and provides a network for professional communications. Access to continuing education opportunities, professional resources, advocacy and the discussion of all issues relevant to human genetics and the genetic counseling profession are an integral part of belonging to NSGC.
Mission: The National Society of Genetic Counselors advances the various roles of genetic counselors in health care by fostering education, research, and public policy to ensure the availability of quality genetic services.
Vision: Integrating genetics and genomics to improve health for all.
Our History
In 1971 the first class of master's degree genetic counselors graduated from Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, NY. Genetic counselors rapidly became an integral member of the genetics team because of the profession's unique knowledge and skills in counseling and human genetics.
In 1978 a group of genetic counselors recognized the need for a professional society to support the unique needs of their profession. 227 genetic counselors each donated $10 to support the forming of a committee to reach that goal and on October 1, 1979, the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) was incorporated in New York with Audrey Heimler serving as the first NSGC President.
Learn more about NSGC's history.
View a timeline of the genetic counseling profession and NSGC milestones developed by the NSGC Late Career Special Interest Group (SIG) in 2019, in honor of NSGC's 40th anniversary.
NSGC's Statement on Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (J.E.D.I.)
A guiding principle of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) is to integrate genetics and genomics to improve healthcare. As a society, we can only meet this goal by promoting the active participation and leadership of people with diverse identities, perspectives, and backgrounds. Starting within our organization and extending into the larger healthcare system, we seek to empower our members to advocate for themselves, each other, and the diverse people we strive to serve.
View Full J.E.D.I. Statement
NSGC Policy on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB)
In furtherance of its vision and mission, the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) strives to integrate genetics and genomics to improve health for all. As an organization, NSGC (members and staff) works to realize this goal by promoting the active participation and leadership of people with diverse identities, perspectives, and backgrounds. Starting within NSGC and extending into the larger healthcare system, NSGC, its members and staff seek to empower NSGC members to advocate for themselves, each other, and the diverse people they serve. NSGC and its members realize that a diverse and inclusive organization does not build itself but must be created through a sustained effort by leadership, staff, and each individual member.
In furtherance of these goals and NSGC’s ongoing commitment to create and maintain an inclusive environment within the organization and in connection with its activities, NSGC has adopted the following policy on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (“DEIB Policy”)
View Full DEIB Policy
