To work as a genetic counselor, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have a bachelor's degree; and
• have a master's degree in genetic counseling.

Education after high school

To work as a genetic counselor you need to complete a Master's of Genetic Counseling (MGC) degree program. This graduate program is generally two years in length. You complete course work, laboratory work, research experience, and clinical experience. Course work combines the sciences with the social sciences and may include genetics, diseases prognosis and treatment, psychology, ethical issues, counseling, and bereavement. There are over 30 accredited genetic counseling programs in the US.

You need a bachelor's degree to be accepted into this program. Genetic counselors come from many majors, including biology, genetics, nursing, psychology, public health, and social work. It's helpful to have some counseling experience in addition to a science background.

Work experience

Observing or interning with a genetic counselor is a great way to get experience as well as help you with your application for the master's program. Gaining experience in a counseling setting, such as volunteering for a crisis hotline, is also valuable. Some programs require you have experience before applying.

On-the-job training

The last part of the master's program is usually clinical work. This will be in a board-approved medical genetics center. Clinical work will apply the science you have learned with the counseling part of the job.