3 answers
Kundan Kumar
Student
Central Development Region, Central Development Region, Nepal
2
Questions
Updated
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I am in final year of my bachelor's in Biotechnology. Am I eligible to apply to MS in Genetic Counseling in USA?
I have seen some people comment that we need a medical background to enter into Genetic Counseling. Is it true?
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3 answers
Malia Bauder
Licensed & Certified Genetic Counselor
2
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Malia’s Answer
Hi Kundan,
I am a genetic counselor in the United States who attended a USA-based program. It is not necessary to have a medical background to apply for a master's degree in genetic counseling, but it is important to have exposure to the field or experience shadowing, speaking to medical professionals, or working within a medical space. For example, some prospective genetic counselors work as medical scribes, genetic counseling assistants, or clinical research assistants. The graduate programs will want to see you demonstrate that you are familiar with genetic counseling and you know that you want to pursue a career in this field (since it is a relatively smaller specialty). Many practicing genetic counselors are happy to speak to prospective students and answer questions, and some will be open to having you shadow in their clinic (although this is likely more challenging to do if you are not located in an area with genetic counselors).
In addition to shadowing or employment experience, graduate programs will require a bachelor's degree and certain classes to have been completed (such as a genetics course, chemistry course, statistics, etc.). Oftentimes you can find this list of required courses on a program's website.
Finally, many programs will want you to have advocacy experience, such as volunteering in a domestic violence shelter or working for a suicide hotline.
I would recommend looking into volunteering or shadowing options near you, reaching out to individual graduate programs to ask questions, and making sure you take required courses as a part of your bachelor's degree. Many people who apply to these graduate programs do take a gap year, so keep in mind that it's not required to go straight from your bachelor's degree to a master's program.
There are also lots of online resources for learning about genetic counseling. Here is one through the National Society of Genetic Counselors: https://www.nsgc.org/About/About-Genetic-Counselors.
Best of luck in your pursuit of your future career!
I am a genetic counselor in the United States who attended a USA-based program. It is not necessary to have a medical background to apply for a master's degree in genetic counseling, but it is important to have exposure to the field or experience shadowing, speaking to medical professionals, or working within a medical space. For example, some prospective genetic counselors work as medical scribes, genetic counseling assistants, or clinical research assistants. The graduate programs will want to see you demonstrate that you are familiar with genetic counseling and you know that you want to pursue a career in this field (since it is a relatively smaller specialty). Many practicing genetic counselors are happy to speak to prospective students and answer questions, and some will be open to having you shadow in their clinic (although this is likely more challenging to do if you are not located in an area with genetic counselors).
In addition to shadowing or employment experience, graduate programs will require a bachelor's degree and certain classes to have been completed (such as a genetics course, chemistry course, statistics, etc.). Oftentimes you can find this list of required courses on a program's website.
Finally, many programs will want you to have advocacy experience, such as volunteering in a domestic violence shelter or working for a suicide hotline.
I would recommend looking into volunteering or shadowing options near you, reaching out to individual graduate programs to ask questions, and making sure you take required courses as a part of your bachelor's degree. Many people who apply to these graduate programs do take a gap year, so keep in mind that it's not required to go straight from your bachelor's degree to a master's program.
There are also lots of online resources for learning about genetic counseling. Here is one through the National Society of Genetic Counselors: https://www.nsgc.org/About/About-Genetic-Counselors.
Best of luck in your pursuit of your future career!
Thank you so much for your words🙂🙂
Kundan Kumar
Mitchell Brasher
Bio-Mechanical Design Engineer - 1 year Exp. - BS Mechanical Engineering
5
Answers
Updated
Mitchell’s Answer
Hi Kundan,
I hope this message finds you well! In general I always think it’s a good idea to receive more education. I’ve looks at various Genetic Counseling maters programs in the USA and see that only a bachelors degree is required. It would be best if the bachelors degree is in a science field. You would be in a good position with the Biotechnology degree.
I suggest looking at University of Pennsylvania program because they just received a 9.7$ million grant and they’re always look for ethnic diversity.
Good luck friend!
Go here and read all https://www.med.upenn.edu/geneticcounseling/alliance-to-increase-diversity-in-genetic-counseling.html?preview=true
Gather all information needed for application
Write your application essay
Have someone (maybe a professor) review the essay
Apply!
I hope this message finds you well! In general I always think it’s a good idea to receive more education. I’ve looks at various Genetic Counseling maters programs in the USA and see that only a bachelors degree is required. It would be best if the bachelors degree is in a science field. You would be in a good position with the Biotechnology degree.
I suggest looking at University of Pennsylvania program because they just received a 9.7$ million grant and they’re always look for ethnic diversity.
Good luck friend!
Mitchell recommends the following next steps:
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Kundan Kumar
Karin P.
Lecturer
375
Answers
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Kundan Kumar,
I see you are located in Nepal, and I am not sure where you plan to study. The following is information for the US.
I don't think you need a medical degree to enter a program in genetic counseling. At least for UCLA, their website says they'll consider any bachelor degree:
https://medschool.ucla.edu/departments/basic-science/human-genetics/genetic-counseling-ms-program/admissions
A couple of other schools also say you need a bachelors degree. This might vary for different schools and different countries though.
I would recommend that you look up schools that you would consider and drop an e-mail to the program director to clarify.
Good luck!
KP
I see you are located in Nepal, and I am not sure where you plan to study. The following is information for the US.
I don't think you need a medical degree to enter a program in genetic counseling. At least for UCLA, their website says they'll consider any bachelor degree:
https://medschool.ucla.edu/departments/basic-science/human-genetics/genetic-counseling-ms-program/admissions
A couple of other schools also say you need a bachelors degree. This might vary for different schools and different countries though.
I would recommend that you look up schools that you would consider and drop an e-mail to the program director to clarify.
Good luck!
KP
Thank you so much for your advice madam🙂.
Kundan Kumar