Career Overview: Roles and Responsibilities of a Genetic Counselor (GC)
Genetic counselors provide a critical service to individuals and families considering undergoing genetic testing by helping them identify their risks for certain disorders, investigate family health history, interpret information and determine if testing is needed. The genetic counseling process helps people understand and adapt to the medical, psychological, and familial implications of genetic contributions to disease.
In addition to counseling, genetic counselors also communicate with laboratories about the tests they offer, advocating patients with their insurance companies, and notifying patients about their test results.
- Universal medical centers
- Private and public hospitals
- Diagnostic laboratories
- Health maintenance organizations
- Non-profit organizations
- Government organizations and agencies
- Prenatal and preconception
- Pediatric
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular
- Neurology
- Pharmacogenetics
Most genetic counseling programs require or strongly recommend:
- General Biology – Two semesters with labs
- General Chemistry – Two semesters with labs
- Organic Chemistry – Two semesters with labs
- Biochemistry – One semester (no lab required)
- Genetics – One semester (no lab required)
- Statistics – One semester
- General Psychology – One semester
- Abnormal Psychology (Recommended or Required)
AP/IB/DE Credit: Acceptance of these credits will vary depending on the program’s requirements. Please check the program’s site for further information.
- If those credits are accepted, you may satisfy the requirements by taking a higher-level science course of the class you have credits in, unless stated otherwise.
- If those credits are not accepted, you will need to retake that specific course again.
Coursework varies by school. Always verify specific requirements on each program’s website.
The GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) is a standardized test designed to test your critical thinking skills in general categories rather than on specific “pre-requisite” content: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing.
After taking the GRE, you will receive a few different scores: a sub-score for your verbal and quantitative reasoning sections (scored between 130-170) as well as a combined score for your quantitative and qualitative reasoning sections (scored between 260-340). Additionally, you will receive a score for your analytical writing on a 6-point scale. Schools that require the GRE will likely report a minimum score needed to apply, or an average score of the previously admitted class/es. As you evaluate your scores, ensure that you are either at/above the minimum, or within a close range of the average.
Always check each school’s website to confirm testing requirements.
There is no centralized application service for genetic counseling programs. Most programs will require participation in the Genetic Counseling Admissions Match. “The Match” is a national system used by most accredited genetic counseling programs in the U.S. and Canada to ensure a fair and organized admissions process.
Research Programs: Create a list of programs and review their individual requirements for prerequisite courses, healthcare experience hours, testing (GRE), and letters of recommendation.
Explore programs participating in GC Admissions Match
Timeline overview:
- Register for the Match
Registration for the Match opens in September the year before desired matriculation into a program. Applicants must register for the Match in order to submit application materials. The registration process is open September-December, but it is best to register early to ensure your application is reviewed. Register here. - Submit Program Applications
Applicants must apply to programs individually from the Match. Check each program’s specific application deadlines and requirements. - Interview Process
Selected applicants are invited to interview with programs, typically between January and March. - Rank Programs
Applicants and programs submit rank order lists through National Matching Services, ranking their preferences. - Match Day
NMS uses an algorithm to align applicants and programs based on mutual preferences, prioritizing applicant choice. Results will be released in late April. Matches are binding, meaning applicants are expected to enroll in the program they match with. - Post-Match Day
Unmatched applicants can explore unfilled program positions through the post-match process.
Other Match Tips:
- Register early to receive a Match ID before interviews.
- Only apply to programs you would genuinely attend if matched.
- Rank programs honestly based on your true preferences.
- Keep track of all application deadlines for each program
Obtain Shadowing/Observation Hours: Shadowing helps you understand the general organization and structure of a day in the healthcare field. Shadowing a Genetic Counselor can help introduce you to their roles and scope of practice.
Typical Expectations
Aim to have at least 50 hours of shadowing experience with a GC, but hours vary by program.
Gain Research Experience: While not explicitly required, research can be an additional way to show your engagement with Genetic Counseling.
For many applicants, research helps show that they can analyze data, think scientifically, and contribute to the advancement of healthcare knowledge. These experiences may involve working in laboratory science, clinical research, public health studies, or social science research related to healthcare. Students who participate in research often develop skills in literature review, data collection, statistical analysis, teamwork, and scientific communication. Long-term involvement that leads to presentations, posters, or publications can further strengthen an application, but these outcomes are not required.
Getting Started
- Visit the USC Office of Undergraduate Research for programs, funding, and project listings
- Talk to your professors after class or during office hours about possible openings
Letters of Recommendation: Most programs require 3-4 letters. Common letter writers include science professors, research mentors, clinical professionals, or supervisors. Always verify individual program requirements.
To obtain meaningful letters, build relationships early by actively participating in class or clinical experiences, seeking feedback, and demonstrating reliability and initiative. When requesting a letter, ask well in advance, provide your resume, your personal statement, and clearly share deadlines and submission instructions. Thoughtful, detailed recommendations from individuals who know you well can significantly strengthen your application by offering credible, personalized perspectives on your strengths and potential.
Get involved: Programs strongly encourage applicants to have at least 1 year of consistent involvement and interaction with their communities. Whether it’s through a Student Organization or Volunteer experience, these positions can help applicants develop essential skills such as empathy, communication, and cultural awareness, which are critical when working with individuals and families facing complex genetic and health-related decisions. Volunteer experiences that provide exposure to individuals living with chronic illnesses or disabilities can be especially beneficial, as they help strengthen soft skills like active listening, compassion, and adaptability. Through these interactions, students gain a deeper understanding of the social and emotional challenges patients may face. Community engagement also demonstrates a commitment to service and patient advocacy, both of which are central to the genetic counseling profession.
Opportunities to Get Involved