Genetic Counseling — M.S.

Genetic Counselors (GCs) are health professionals with specialized training and experience in the areas of medical genetics and counseling. Most GCs enter the field from a variety of disciplines, including biology, genetics, nursing, psychology, public health and social work. The program has been designed for students to develop and master the unique combination of expertise in medical and molecular genetics and skills in psychosocial counseling that practicing GCs possess.

By the end of the program, graduates should be able to:

1. Demonstrate strong clinical genetics and genomics knowledge and expertise and clinical reasoning to provide evidence-based genetic counseling
2. Provide client-centered care, facilitate informed decision-making in an inclusive and values-based manner and advocate for individuals, families and diverse communities
3. Illustrate critical thinking in designing and implementing research projects, develop oral and written communication skills to report information related to genetics, genomics and genetic counseling practice
4. Act in accordance with the ethical, legal and philosophical principles of the genetic counseling profession
5. Develop a professional identity to advocate for genetic counseling in the healthcare infrastructure and promote interdisciplinary relationships across varied settings- clinics, laboratories, and industry
6. Demonstrate proficiency in the 4 domains of the Practice-Based Competencies for Genetic Counselors delineated by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling
7. Achieve successful certification via the American Board of Genetic Counseling’s certification exam

Applicants to the MSGC Program are individuals with an undergraduate degree who can balance high academic achievement with excellent written and verbal communication skills, adequate advocacy experiences and insight into their choice of genetic counseling as a career. 

Transcripts:

• Bachelor’s degree from a U.S. institutionally accredited college or university or equivalent
• Required: At least one quarter or semester of college-level coursework in genetics (designed for life science majors such as biology, molecular and cell biology) to be completed at an institutionally accredited college or university within USA or Canada or its equivalent
• Recommended: At least one quarter or semester of college-level biochemistry, psychology or sociology and statistics or biostatistics
• Unofficial transcripts should be submitted from all post-secondary colleges or universities attended, including from those at which the candidate took only one or a few courses to satisfy pre-requisites. Admitted students must submit official transcripts
• All prerequisite science courses must be taken within the last 10 years from the time of application
• International students can access information regarding LLU requirements for International students
  • Per LLU School of Medicine policy, applicants from schools in countries other than USA and Canada are required to present verification of academic credentials and a U.S equivalency report

Minimum overall GPA of 3.00

Curriculum Vita

Personal Statement (500 words): Describing personal motivating factors in genetic counseling as a career choice and a self-assessment of strengths and potential anticipated challenges

Advocacy Experience: Compensated or volunteer advocacy experience(s) in a counseling or support role in health care, health behaviors or similar agencies. Applicants may have experiences in different settings, both in-person and remote, including crisis hotlines, Planned Parenthood, domestic abuse shelters, homeless shelters, hospice care facilities or facilities catering to individuals with physical or intellectual impairments, interviewing participants in a research setting etc.

Shadowing experiences and internships: Shadowing or interning with a genetic counselor is ideal, but not required.

Three Letters of Recommendation: Letters must be from individuals who can address the readiness of the applicant for graduate school and for the profession. One letter must be from a mentor in the applicant’s advocacy or counseling experience, which should be of substantial duration. All letters to be submitted electronically.

National Matching Services (NMS): All applicants must register with the Genetic Counseling Admissions Match through National Matching Services (NMS) and must provide a Match ID number to be considered for admission.

GRE: The GRE is not required for admission

Interviews

Personal interviews with the LLU MSGC Program Admissions Committee will be scheduled between February and early April. Deadlines for the GC Admissions Match Process is usually available in the fall of the previous year 

The MSGC program follows the LLU Nondiscrimination Policy.

Normal time to complete the program

2 years.