Genetic Counselor
DISCLAIMER: CSUSB does not have a Genetic Counseling program. This page serves as an informational resource only.
A genetic counselor is a healthcare professional who specializes in genetics and counseling. Genetic counselors are healthcare professionals who have specialized education and training in the field of medical genetics.
Using family history and specific tests, genetic counselors assess clients' risk for a variety of inherited conditions for individuals and families. These include birth defects, syndromes, autoimmune diseases, abnormalities, specific dispositions, and many conditions. They review genetic test results with individuals and families and support them in making decisions based on those results.
Genetic counseling can be a stressful but rewarding career path. Being able to help patients become aware of their own familial genetic dispositions can help guide the patient's future choices and initiate personal genetic awareness.
What Degree do Genetic Counselors Need?
- Master in Genetic Counseling
- Some Master's programs require a Bachelor's degree in a science-related field, such as biology or chemistry
- Many genetic counselors choose to major in biology, social sciences, or a related field (but these majors are not necessarily required for entry into a genetic counseling program)
- Time
- Full-time, two years
Genetic Counselor Prerequisites
NOTE: Specific prerequisite courses can vary by school--always double-check the website of each nursing school you are applying to for specific requirements. Please review the CSUSB Catalog as a guide to completing the CSUSB prerequisites.
| Prerequisites | CSUSB Courses |
|---|---|
Biology: One year or two semesters of General Biology with lab One year or two semesters of Anatomy and Physiology with lab One semester of Genetics with lab |
BIOL 2010 and BIOL 2020 BIOL 2230 and BIOL 2240 BIOL 3300 |
Chemistry: One year or two semesters of General Chemistry with lab One year or two semesters of Organic Chemistry with lab |
CHEM 2100 and CHEM 2200 CHEM 3400 and CHEM 3500 |
Math: One semester of Statistics |
MATH 1201 |
Behavioral Sciences: A course covering either Psychology, Sociology, Cultural Anthropology, or Philosophy |
Check the CSUSB course catalog for current course listings |
Biological Sciences
Though not necessarily required by some programs, taking these biological courses would be a good idea. These courses can help make students more prepared for their program, offering them more knowledge in their specific field.
- Molecular Biology: One semester with lab (BIOL 3120)
- Microbiology: One semester with lab (BIOL 3200)
- Cell Biology: One semester (BIOL 3100)
- Biochemistry: One semester with lab (CHEM 4100)
Provided below are examples of Genetic Counseling Master's Programs. These links will provide a direction to each college's respective page, along with program information, prerequisites, mission/vision, application details, and other requirements necessary.
- University of California San Francisco: Genetic Counseling Program
- University of California Irvine: Master of Science in Genetic Counseling
- University of California Los Angeles: Graduate Program - Genetic Counseling
- Stanford Medicine: Master's program in Human Genetics & Genetic Counseling
For more programs, please visit this site by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC).
| Test/Exams Needed | To become certified as a genetic counselor, you must complete an accredited master’s program in genetic counseling. After completing the program, students must take and pass a certification exam in order to become a certified genetic counselor. |
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Specializations |
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