Genomic medicine and genetic technology have advanced dramatically in the last decade, giving rise to a niche field called Genetic Counseling. Genetic counseling is a fascinating field that combines comprehensive training in human, molecular, and medical genetics with counseling skills and expertise.
Genetic counselors are members of a healthcare team who provide information and support to families with members who have congenital disabilities or hereditary illnesses, as well as families that may be at risk for a variety of inherited diseases. They locate at-risk families, study the problem in the family, interpret disorder information, analyze inheritance patterns and recurrence risks, and discuss choices with the family. Genetic counselors are medical geneticists and counselors with advanced degrees and experience in medical genetics and counseling.
In addition to providing supportive counseling to families, genetic counselors act as patient advocates and refer people and families to community or state-based support programs. They educate and provide resources to other health care professionals as well as the public. Some counselors serve in administrative roles as well, while others participate in research in the fields of medical genetics and genetic counseling.
Online genetic counseling programs typically cover biology, genetics, nursing, psychology, public health, and social work to make up a comprehensive program.
Genetic Counseling is a highly scientific and complex subject. It is, therefore, crucial to find a top college that offers a quality degree. The best masters in Genetic Counseling online programs should be backed by an experienced faculty, state-of-the-art research and clinical facilities, excellent infrastructure, value for money, accreditation, and much more. Based on these and other relevant factors, here is a list of the best online Genetic Counseling degree programs:
<a href="https://www.onlinemasterscolleges.com/masters-in-genetic-counseling-online/">Masters in Genetic Counseling Online </a>
Code copied successfully!
College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
---|---|---|
#1 University of South Carolina Columbia-Campus, Columbia, South Carolina 29208 | $13,737 | 78% |
#2 University of South Florida(on-campus) 4202 East Fowler Ave, Tampa, Florida 33620 | $8,350 | 74% |
#3 Johns Hopkins University 3400 N Charles St, Baltimore, Maryland 21218 | $57,010 | 94% |
#4 Augustana University(on-campus) 2001 S Summit Ave, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57197 | $35,530 | 72% |
#5 University of Maryland(on-campus) 620 West Lexington St, Baltimore, Maryland 21201 | $15,132 | NA |
#6 Boise State University 1910 University Dr, Boise, Idaho 83725 | $7,110 | 55% |
#7 Bay Path University 588 Longmeadow Street, Longmeadow, Massachusetts 01106 | $19,235 | 60% |
#8 The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston 7000 Fannin, Houston, Texas 77030 | $7,984 | NA |
#9 University of Colorado Denver(on-campus) 1380 Lawrence Street, Lawrence Street Center, Suite 1400, Denver, Colorado 80217 | $6,786 | 44% |
#10 Indiana State University 210 N 7th St, Terre Haute, Indiana 47809 | $7,668 | 41% |
Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available
A Genetic Counseling program is said to come under the larger umbrella of a Master of Public Health (MPH) program (such as the one offered by the University of Texas Health Science Center). The master’s in genetic counseling online program combines a solid academic foundation and hands-on clinical practice with independent research to prepare graduates for the fast-paced, evolving field of genetic counseling. With diverse clinical assignments such as prenatal, pediatrics, oncology, cardiology, neurology, and psychiatric genetics, students can obtain specialized skills and work toward a genetic counseling degree. They gain knowledge through a combination of direct classroom instruction and hands-on engagement with genetic counselors, medical geneticists, and other health care experts.
The master’s in genetic counseling program is designed to give students the skills and information they need to succeed and adapt in the field of genomic medicine.
With Genetic Counseling being a scientific and highly technical subject, masters’ studies in this field are usually offered in only one degree type – the Master of Science or MS in Genetic Counseling. Some colleges allow students to pick another domain, such as Public Health, with a specialization in Genetic Counseling (Master of Science in Public Health with a concentration in Genetic Counseling (MSPH-GC)).
The MS Genetic Counseling is a research-based, technically focused study of Genetic Counseling, complete with clinical practicums, hands-on training, and a substantial focus on counseling/psychology subjects as well. While some colleges may not require a thesis as part of the program, others may insist on one.
In most instances, a master’s degree program will offer concentrations or specializations that drill down into the subject, allowing the student to qualify as a specialist in one particular area of the subject. With Genetic Counseling being a complex and already specialty subject, there are no known concentrations on offer. However, with the advancements in this space, the future may bring about specializations hitherto unknown.
A Masters in Genetic Counseling degree program will typically comprise of three parts – Coursework in Genetics, Coursework in Counseling, and multiple Clinical Rotations or Practicums, which may include pediatric, prenatal, adult, and specialty genetics clinics such as cardiology, neurology, industry, and ophthalmology, among others. Additionally, some programs may require a capstone project or thesis to be submitted towards the end of the program. Here are a few examples of online genetic counseling courses one can expect are:
Some Counseling Courses include:
On exiting the program, graduates of a master in Genetic Counseling will demonstrate various skills, including the ability to:
An institution’s accreditation signifies that it fulfills or surpasses the criteria for evaluating institutional excellence as determined by a peer-review process. An accredited college or university has the resources necessary to achieve its stated goals through acceptable educational programs, is doing so effectively, and can demonstrate that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Accreditation addresses institutional integrity as well and is not conditional; it extends to the entire institution. As a result, it does not guarantee the competence of individual graduates or every course or program offered. Instead, it gives students attending the university considerable assurance about the quality of offerings available to them.
Accredited genetic counseling programs often have the seal of accreditation conferred by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC). Institutions that offer accredited online masters in genetic counseling may also be accredited by one or more regional agencies, such as:
More information on accreditation can be found in the Accreditation Guide.
In most instances, graduating from a master’s in Genetic Counseling online program requires a minimum of 18 months to 24 months. Part-time students can take up to 5 years to finish their degree. However, it must be noted that factors such as the quantum of research and the clinical hours required may directly affect timelines.
Most Genetic Counseling grad school requirements are standard across universities. To apply, students must have an undergraduate degree in genetics or a relative discipline, such as biology, genetics, psychology, public health, and nursing. Those from other backgrounds will have to meet genetic counselor requirements and complete courses that can make them eligible to apply. Here is a quick run-down of admission requirements for a master’s in Genetic Counseling online program:
Most universities usually require a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score, but it can be waived in exceptional cases. For the most up-to-date information, students should consult the Program Guide or contact the college’s admissions office.
Important:
All genetic counseling programs in the United States and Canada participate in the Genetic Counseling Admissions Match through National Matching Services (NMS). The GC Admissions Match has been created to improve the process of placing applicants into positions in masters-level genetic counseling programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC). The Match uses an algorithm and method that considers the preferences of both candidates and programs. Both candidates and programs will submit ranked lists of preferred placements to NMS by the deadlines specified on the NMS website after all program interviews. Applicants and programs will get the Match’s binding results simultaneously, at a stipulated time. For more information, students are advised to explore the National Matching Services (NMS) website.
As mentioned earlier, Genetic Counseling is a highly complex and specialized subject. It requires well-experienced and skilled faculty to teach and clinical practicums or rotations as well. Therefore, there are no online resources or dedicated websites for free programs in Genetic Counseling. Coursera, EdX, and FutureLearn each have one course on, related to, or covering Genetic Counseling, which may only help students to a small extent.
In the United States, the cost of a genetic counseling graduate program can usually burn a huge hole in one’s wallet. Fees for an online master’s in Genetic Counseling vary by the graduate school and are revised upwards, much like most other degree programs. Students should check with the university to find out what the current academic year’s fee is. Additionally, students should be aware that the cost of a master’s degree in Genetic Counseling goes beyond tuition. A Master’s in Genetic Counseling student’s total cost includes medical insurance and other fees, educational supplies, living expenses, and tuition. Fortunately, students can research and apply for many types of financial aid to help reduce the hefty cost of a master’s degree. The following are some examples of funding mechanisms:
Scholarships help meritorious students pay for their education by lowering or eliminating the cost. After analyzing the student’s biography and doing a full background check that includes the statement of purpose, recommendation letters, work experience, and academic credentials, the institution chooses the scholarship recipient.
Grants are awarded to students who require financial aid to complete their graduate studies. Unlike scholarships, typically provided based on merit, grants are primarily awarded based on the family’s finances. Universities that award need-based grants consider an applicant’s grades and test scores as well.
In exchange for services to the university,Teaching Assistantships provide a fee waiver or stipend. Working as assistants for professors, assisting them with instructional constraints, assisting in a lab or workshop, and teaching and demonstrating for undergraduates are all possibilities.Research Assistantshipsare similar but allow graduate students to help a professor with their research while also reducing their workload.
Students may qualify for federal, bank, or private loans that require interest payments. It should be noted, however, that late or deferred payment will almost always result in increased student debt.
Using the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, a graduate student can determine whether they are eligible for financial aid or not. More information on FAFSA is available here.
The best Financial Guide expounds on the various funding mechanisms available for higher education.
Genetic counselors have the experience and skills necessary to play a critical role in individualized treatment. As a result, opportunities for genetic counselors are increasing. For students who want to work at the cutting edge of genomic medicine, becoming a Genetic Counselor usually leads to a rewarding and expanding healthcare career, with a high level of job satisfaction, especially in terms of patient counseling, training possibilities, scientific content, and personal progress.
Genetic counseling is a rapidly expanding field with numerous job prospects. Genetic counselors operate in a range of settings, including clinics, laboratories, industry, and research. The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that jobs in Genetic Counseling will expand at a rate of 26% between 2020 and 2030, which is substantially higher than the average for all occupations.
Genetic Counselors earn handsome salaries as well. The BLS reports that the median annual wage for a Genetic Counselor is $85,700. The related career of an Epidemiologist – health workers who investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury – earn an annual median salary of $74,560, with a job outlook of a whopping 30%!
Apart from practicing Genetic Counseling, certified and licensed graduates can also take on managerial and administrative roles in numerous clinical genetics centers or teaching positions in postsecondary settings.
Although a master’s degree in Genetic Counseling is the stepping stone to a rewarding career in the field, it is mandatory for graduates to undertake a Genetic Counselor certification that will lead to licensure. The gold standard and most popular certification in this domain is the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) Certification Examination.
The American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) Certified Genetic Counselor (CGC®) credential is a globally recognized professional accreditation for genetic counselors. CGC-certified professionals would have finished a rigorous academic program that includes supervised clinical work and have passed the ABGC National Certification Exam. Individuals who have obtained the CGC certificate would have demonstrated that they have excellent specific knowledge, skill, and practice standards in their field.
Most employers require their genetic counselors to be certified. The CGC is a required component for acquiring a license in places that need genetic counselors to hold one, especially in State/Government jobs.
Genetic Counseling has two sides: an objective side, covered by science, facts, and data, and a subjective side, covered by varying issue-based inputs and information. While the objective ‘Genetics’ requires frequent updating of knowledge through scientific journals and the latest developments in genetics, the latter ‘Counseling’ requires more exposure and experience, along with an exchange of views, case studies, discussions, etc. Networking, digging through resources, and connecting with like-minded peers are great ways to enhance knowledge and skill on both the objective and subjective sides of Genetic Counseling. Here are a few resources for Genetic Counseling students to get started:
Let’s help you find the right online master’s degree. You can browse through thousands of schools and their online programs. Start exploring the top 20 best online master’s programs now.