Genetic Counselor
Your path to being a Genetic Counselor starts here …
Navigating the path to becoming a genetic counselor can be complex. We're here to guide you every step of the way.
Plan Your Path to becoming a Genetic Counselor
- Choose an Ideal Grad School: Each genetic counselor program sets its own specific course requirements for undergraduate students. By familiarizing yourself with these prerequisites, you can strategically plan your academic schedule at UIS to align with your desired graduate school. When choosing which schools to apply to, it's important to weigh a variety of factors. These include the school's geographical location, the characteristics of the student body, and the nature of the curriculum. Training to become a genetic counselor involves earning a Master’s degree from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC). The ACGC provides many resources for prospective students, including a list of accredited programs. The Association of Genetic Counseling Program Directors also offers a graduate program matching service.
- Course of Study Planning: Your journey to becoming a genetic counselor requires careful planning. From selecting the right prerequisites to aligning your courses with graduate school requirements, our advisors are here to tailor a plan that suits your goals.
- Connect with our Pre-Health Community: We are here to help and connect you with others on a similar path. These connections are not merely supportive—they're transformative, opening doors to mentorship, hands-on experience, and collaborative projects that will shape your journey in healthcare. Embrace the community of faculty, staff, students, and professional mentors around you!
Each ACGC accredited graduate school sets its own unique requirements, yet there are several standard prerequisites you're likely to encounter. Here's an overview of the commonly required courses.
WHAT TO TAKE AT UIS
| General Chemistry | CHE 141 and CHE 142 |
| Organic Chemistry | CHE 267 |
| General Biochemistry | CHE 475 |
| Biology | BIO 141 and BIO 142 |
| Cell Biology | BIO 311 |
| Genetics | BIO 381 |
| Principles of Psychology | PSY 201 |
| Math | MAT 121 |
Note: Some classes require prerequisites—Be sure to plan your path with an advisor.
General Advice
Thinking of becoming a genetic counselor? Explore the many resources provided by the National Society for Genetic Counselors(link is external).
Say #YestoUIS