As a genetic counselor, you have the opportunity to contribute to the health of our society by helping patients and medical professionals use genetic information to make medical decisions.
The genetic counseling profession has experienced explosive growth over the years. Since 2006, the number of genetic counselors has more than doubled. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a growth rate of 26 percent for genetic counseling positions through 2029, and there is still a great need for more genetic counselors.
So is a career in genetic counseling right for you? What does it take to become a genetic counselor? How much school do you need? What is the career outlook? What does a day in the life of a genetic counselor look like? You probably have a lot of questions, and we’re here to help.
Common Questions
What education do I need?
For many genetic counselors, the first step to becoming a genetic counselor is to earn an undergraduate Bachelor’s degree that includes coursework in genetics, biochemistry, psychology and statistics. Training to become a genetic counselor then involves earning a Master’s degree from a program
accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC).
What could be my starting salary?
According to the NSGC 2024 Professional Status Survey, the average starting salary for a full-time genetic counselor who graduated in 2023 was $81,373. Salaries vary based on several factors such as role, responsibilities, work setting, geographical location, previous experience, and more.
Do I need a certification?
Many genetic counselors pursure certification through the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) and/or the Canadian Board of Genetic Counselling (CBGC). Learn more about the importance of certification here.
What will I do? Will I only see patients?
Working in a direct patient care role is the most common work that genetic counselors do, but genetic counselors work in countless healthcare settings to improve the lives of people with known or suspected genetic conditions in many ways. Some write testing reports for genetic testing companies, conduct or assist with research, teach in medical or graduate school, guide and manage business decisions, or create or implement new laws or policies, etc.
Where to Begin
For many genetic counselors, the first step to becoming a genetic counselor is to earn an undergraduate Bachelor’s degree that includes coursework related to genetics, biochemistry, psychology and statistics. Ideal candidates also have experiences such as patient advocacy, counseling, scientific lab or healthcare volunteer work.
- Clinical experience in various genetic specialties
- Coursework in human genetics, psychosocial counseling, bioethics, research methodology, genetic testing technology and more
- Research other independent study projects
- Additional activities including education, advocacy experiences, case conferences, etc.
Upon completion of a degree, certification through the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) and/or Canadian Board of Genetic Counselling (CBGC) demonstrates that the individual has met the standards necessary to provide competent genetic counseling. Many employers and states require genetic counselors to be board-certified. In the United States, licensure may be required depending on your local state laws. Learn more about why certification is important here.
Applying to a Training Program
- Choosing and applying to a genetic counseling program starts by determining which program makes the most sense for you based on location, class size, hospital affiliations, cost and more. Most applicants apply to several programs.
- There are many components to the application, including transcripts, test scores, advocacy and/or counseling experience, a personal statement and letters of recommendation.
- Most programs offer in-person or virtual interviews to a portion of their applicants.
- Applicants rank the programs in order of preference and the programs do the same with the applicants. A Match Program then determines admission status based on these rankings.
- Most programs notify applicants of their admission status on the same day, typically at the end of April.
Exploring Genetic Counseling Training Programs
There are more than 50 colleges and universities across the United States and Canada with Master's degree programs in genetic counseling. For a full list of programs, please visit the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC) Program Directory.
How to Choose a Program
There are many factors to consider when choosing a genetic counseling training program. These include location, class size, clinical rotation sites, travel, housing, work opprtunities, cost, scholarship opportunities, and affiliation with a university, medical school, or hospital. Please note that there are various scholarship opportunities available such as the Warren Alpert Foundation Alliance Genetic Counseling Scholarship Program. Please reach out to each program for more information about their scholarship opportunities.
Application Requirements
Contact each program individually in order to determine the exact requirements needed to complete an application including transcripts, test scores, advocacy experiences, a written statement, and letters of recommendation.
Application Deadlines
Contact each program for information about their application deadlines. For more information on the application process, please visit the Genetic Counselor Educators Association (GCEA) website for prospective students.
The National Match Service
Resources to Support Your Application Journey
Resources for International Students
Internships & Workshops
Support Network, Podcasts, Toolkits
For additional programming and resources to support you and the genetic counseling community, please visit the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) section of our website.