The Student Corner is a resource for genetic counseling students and new graduates. Here you can find useful information as you work toward and begin your career as a genetic counselor:
Genetic Counseling and Genetics Textbooks
View a listing of helpful genetic counseling and genetics textbooks, put together by NSGC members.
Board Certification
Certification in genetic counseling is offered by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) through an examination administered annually. To be eligible for the examination, applicants must be graduates of a Master's-level program that has been accredited by the ACGC or ABGC at the time the applicant was accepted to the program.
Visit the ABGC website for more information on certification, including eligibility requirements and application instructions, fees, application deadlines, practice exams, and examination scheduling information.
Employment
There are several good places to look for jobs, including NSGC Job Connection, regional and national genetics meetings, bulletin boards, and word of mouth. If you see an opportunity and if you have the initiative, you may also attempt to create a new job for yourself.
As an important first step, you should prioritize various aspects of a job that are most meaningful to you. Key points to consider in making your own list of priorities such as location, type of position, specialty, and more.
NSGC's Professional Status Survey (PSS) can be a great resource to help you to learn more about our profession and set your own job search priorities.
Job Search Toolkit
In 2018, the Student/New Member SIG created a comprehensive Job Search Toolkit that covers all aspects of job searching including the cover letter, updating your CV, the interview and sending a thank-you note.
Download the toolkit.
NSGC Student Membership
NSGC is pleased to offer two membership types specifically for current students and recent program graduates:
Join NSGC
STUDENT MEMBER - $50
Special membership for students currently enrolled in a genetic counseling training program. International students, please see this FAQ document, developed by NSGC's International Special Interest Group. Student Members receive all of the same privileges as Associate Members, with the exception that Students may not post to NSGC's General Discussion Forum or access the Journal of Genetic Counseling. NOTE: If you are a PhD candidate and are interested in joining NSGC, please email nsgc@nsgc.org to discuss your specific situation.
NEW GENETIC COUNSELOR MEMBER - $213
Special membership for those who graduated from their genetic counseling program within the last 2 years. New Genetic Counselor Members receive all the same member benefits as Full Members, but are eligible for a discounted membership fee for up to 2 years, as a newly graduated genetic counselor.
Research Survey E-Blasts
The Research Survey Program is designed to provide access to NSGC members for research purposes at a discounted rate. This opportunity is designed to increase survey results and to provide exposure to a variety of genetic counselors.
Please note:
- Research Survey E-Blasts are sent out the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month. Content must be received by the Friday before the e-blast is set to go out, in order to for your survey to be included in the next digest. Desired e-blast send dates are not guaranteed and can be delayed during high volume request periods.
- Effective November 1, 2024, we will only offer single-send Research Survey Listings available for purchase. We will no longer offer the option to purchase a survey distribution reminder. However, we will post all surveys in NSGCommunities to enhance their visibility. The posting in NSGCommunities is included with the cost of the initial Research Survey Listing. We anticipate that this will increase survey responses. Any purchases made prior to November 1, 2024 will be honored.
Survey descriptions are limited to a 700 character limit. Please keep in mind that some members may not be able to access Google Workspace from their institutions. We encourage you to keep this in mind as you are selecting your survey distribution tool.
Prepayment is required for the E-Blast service. If you are a Program Director wishing to purchase on behalf of your student(s), your student(s) must belong to NSGC as a Student Member to qualify for the Student Member Rate. If you would like assistance creating an invoice for multiple students, please reach out to nsgc@nsgc.org with a list of student names.
Student Members
- $35 – One survey listing in one bi-monthly digest to all NSGC members