Genetics Counseling
Genetics counseling is a process that helps people understand and adapt to medical, psychological and familial implications of genetic contributions to diseases. It interprets family and medical histories in order to asses the chances of disease occurrence or reoccurrence. It also educates about inheritance, testing, management, prevention, resources and research. It also promotes informed choice and adaptations to the risk or condition.
Journal of Genetic Counseling, Vol. 15, April 2006
A genetic counselor is a health care professional who is prepared both academically and clinically to provide counseling services to families or individuals who are seeking information about the occurrence, or risk of occurrence, of a genetic condition or birth defect. They interpret and provide clear and comprehensive information about the risk of any medical condition that may have a genetic contribution. They use genetic technologies to help individuals and families. Genetic counselors typically have a Masters Degree from a graduate program specifically accredited to prepare individuals for a career as a genetic counselor who provides genetic counseling services. The training is specialized and includes coursework and hands-on supervised clinical experiences.
Genetics Counseling is usually a 2 year program in which the student receives their Masters of Science in Genetics Counseling.
- Admission requirements for programs at different institutions will vary. See link at right for examples of the admissions requirements for selected programs.
- Access to all programs can be found at the link given below.
Important or Useful Links
American Board of Genetics Counseling
http://www.abgc.net/english/view.asp?x=1
National Society of Genetics Counselors
http://www.nsgc.org/
Genetics Counseling Programs
http://www.kumc.edu/gec/prof/gcprogs.html
Check you genes
http://www.checkyourgenes.org/
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