What is genetic counseling?

Genetic counseling is the process of helping people understand and adapt to the medical, psychological, and familial implications of genetic contributions to disease. This process integrates:

• Interpretation of family and medical histories to assess the chance of disease occurrence or recurrence.

• Education about inheritance, testing, management, prevention, resources and research.

• Counseling to promote informed choices and adaptation to the risk or condition.

(Resta, R. et al. (2006). A new definition of genetic counseling: National Society of Genetic Counselors’ task force report. Journal of genetic counseling, 15(2), 77-83.)

Genetic counseling may be beneficial at various life stages, which includes planning for pregnancy, during pregnancy, childhood, adulthood, and late in life.

Who are genetic professionals?

A genetic professional is a medical professional that specializes in genetic conditions.  Genetic professionals can include Medical Geneticists, Genetic Counselors, Physician Assistants with specialization in Genetics, and Genetic Nurses

• Medical Geneticists are doctors that specialize in medical conditions that are hereditary or passed down through a family.  They are trained to evaluate, diagnose, counsel, manage, and treat individuals and families with genetic concerns and specific genetic conditions.  

  • Medical geneticists have a medical degree and are board certified by the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ABMGG). 

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xx4FkwMhJK0

• Genetic Counselors have training in medical genetics and counseling to guide and support patients who want information about their or their family’s risk for inherited diseases and conditions.  They help individuals understand their genetic testing options based on their personal and family history and explain how the results of testing can impact the health of themselves and their families.

Genetic counselors have a Master’s Degree in genetic counseling and are board certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC). 

Video Link: https://youtu.be/mhwVlCDgk84?si=CQX2mrjBX8yo12gY

• Some physician assistants and nurses will take on extra training and education to increase their knowledge in the field of genetics and genomic medicine. These healthcare workers can aid genetics and genetic counselors during sessions. 

How do you become a Genetic Counselor?

Step One:  Earn an undergraduate Bachelor’s degree

• Coursework should include genetics, biology, biochemistry, psychology and statistics. 

Step Two:  Gain relevant experience, such as:

• Shadow or meet with a genetic counselor to acquire familiarity with the field.

• Volunteer at a crisis hotline, homeless shelter, hospice, etc to learn counseling skills

• Volunteer at an advocacy group, children’s hospital, etc to gain experience working with individuals who have a genetic condition or disability

• Attend virtual informational events such as webinars and prospective student open houses

• Work in a research lab 

• Become a Genetic Counseling Assistant

Step Three: Earn a Master’s degree in Genetic Counseling

• There are currently over 60 training programs in the United States and Canada accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC)

Step Four: Obtain certification by passing the Boards exam provided by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) and/or the Canadian Board of Genetic Counselling (CBGC).

• Most employers of genetic counselors, including hospitals, clinics, and laboratories, require their genetic counselors to be certified.

• Certain states require genetic counselors to have a license to practice, and having certification is needed to obtain a license.

Where can I find a genetic counseling training program?

As of 2026, there are now 7 genetic counseling training programs located in NYS:

• Columbia University Genetic Counseling Graduate Program

• Long Island University (LIU) Post Genetic Counseling Graduate Program

• Sarah Lawrence College Joan H. Marks Graduate Program in Human Genetics​

• University at Buffalo Master of Science in Genetic Counseling

• Mt. Sinai School of Medicine Master of Science Program in Genetic Counseling

• Weill Cornell Medical College Master’s of Program in Genetic Counseling

• University of Rochester The Master of Science in Genetic Counseling Program

A complete list of accredited programs in the US and Canada with links to each program’s website can be found on the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling website: gceducation.org/find-a-program/

Are there any internship programs?

The Iowa Institute of Human Genetics Summer Internship in Genetic Counseling humangenetics.medicine.uiowa.edu/education-division/summer-internship-genetic-counseling#accordion-item-1111-3

• 8-week summer internship with a cost-of-living stipend to help cover room and board

• Provides students with full-time, hands-on projects in genetic counseling and personalized genomic medicine and enrichment activities (including seminars and workshops on graduate school and careers) 

University of South Carolina Summer Internship sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/medicine/education/genetic_counseling/preparing_for_graduate_school/summer_internship/index.php

• Six-week summer internship with stipend 

• The selected intern will assist genetic counseling faculty members with case preparation, educational and administrative projects, and have the opportunity to observe genetic counseling sessions. •

Basser Summer Scholars Program basser.org/internship

• Paid eight-week program on campus 

• For undergraduate students considering careers in genetic counseling, clinical genetics and basic science

• Applicants must be undergraduate students (through rising seniors) from disadvantaged backgrounds and/or first-generation low-income students.    

The Johns Hopkins University Genetic Counseling Internship hopkinsmedicine.org/genetic-medicine/education-training/genetic-counseling-internship

• Virtual summer internship for 10 undergraduate and recent college graduates

• Provides exposure to the clinical genetics/genomics and genetic counseling fields

• Interns will receive mentoring from genetic counselors, attend virtual lectures and career development activities, and participate remotely in clinical development projects

Genetic Counseling Immersive Program at Color Health color.com/genetic-counseling-programs-at-color

• A fully remote, educational program designed to advance the knowledge and experience of aspiring genetic counselors

• Benefits historically underrepresented members of the GC community

Greenwood Genetic Center Undergraduate Summer Experiences ggc.org/education/students/#internships

• 8-10 week long internships that include a stipend of $2,000. Housing is not included.

• For students at all levels to explore careers and advance their genetic education.

**Please note that this list is not all inclusive and subject to change.**

Where can I find more information about Genetic Counseling?

Genetic Counselor Educators Associationeducategc.org/prospective-students/

• A community of graduate level educators striving to advance quality in genetic counseling education.

National Society of Genetic Counselors nsgc.org/BecomeaGC

• The professional organization that supports the unique needs of genetic counselors. 

Genetic Counseling Experience Initiative (GCEI) IG: @gcexpinitiative 

• A student-organized group of prospective genetic counselors that aims to increase exposure to genetic counseling to prospective students by facilitating meaningful interactions with genetic counselors.

American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC)abgc.net

• Offers the certification exam for genetic counselors. Visit the website to learn more about certification requirements, exam dates and practice exams.

Genetic Counseling Prospective Student Network (GCPSN)linkedin.com/company/gcpsn/

• A group of prospective genetic counseling students working to create a supportive network for other prospective students through informative webinars, application workshops, and social events.

Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC)gceducation.org

• Develops and maintains standards for educational and clinical training of genetic counseling students. Visit the website to identify accredited programs that meet your chosen profession’s standards for academic education and fieldwork training.