Genetic counseling information

What is genetic counseling?

According to the National Society of Genetic Counselors, "they work with individuals and families with a medical history or increased personal risk for a genetic condition, or with individuals or couples at risk for having a child with a birth defect or genetic condition.  They provide information and supportive counseling, coordinate testing and connect families with supportive resources such as support groups and funding agencies.  Genetic counselors are also involved in teaching, research, screening programs and the coordination of support groups."

How do I get to be a genetic counselor?

Usually one goes to genetic counseling graduate school.  These are generally approximately two year programs leading to a Masters degree in genetic counseling.  This site contains a list of all schools offering an accredited master's degree in genetic counseling.  Entry into these programs is quite competitive.  Look at the CSB/SJU pre-genetic counseling page for more information about preparing to apply to genetic counseling graduate school.

Where can I get more information?

• Contact Dr. Reagan in the Biology Department
• The human genome project has a very informative page with information about genetic counseling and lots of useful links.
• The University of Kansas maintains a genetic counseling resources page full of links to good information about genetic counseling as a career and the work lives of genetic counselors.
• This page is the National Society for Genetic Counseling web site.

This page is maintained by Michael Reagan.

This page was last updated 08/16/2006