Program Overview

Genetic Counseling Program

The Genetic Counseling Program at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) is a master's-terminal field that requires two years of intensive coursework and fieldwork prior to sitting for a board exam. Genetic counselors work in healthcare settings across the lifespan, as well as in research, public health and policy, education, leadership, laboratories, and industry.

Program Overview

Genetic counseling is an allied health profession that involves working with individuals and families to help them understand how genetics, both inherited and not, influence someone's health, future health, disease diagnosis, or treatment. The program at UNCG is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council of Genetic Counselors (ACGC) and has over 20 years of experience training genetic counselors. The program's central location and longstanding relationships across the state result in a wide variety of clinical and non-clinical training opportunities. Small, close-knit cohorts provide a low instructor-to-student ratio, allowing students to benefit from a high degree of personalized faculty support.

Department Highlights

• Very high acceptance rate of abstracts at national conferences (100% for past 6 years, including some who have had more than one abstract submitted)
  • This highlights the program's emphasis on research and academic excellence
• Process-driven approach resulting in transferable skills across subspecialties
  • This approach allows students to develop a broad range of skills that can be applied in various settings
• Access to experts in the state, region, and nationally for critical education and networking
  • This provides students with opportunities to learn from and connect with professionals in the field
• Differentiated instruction and support by tailoring to each student's background, goals, and needed skills as much as possible
  • This ensures that students receive personalized attention and support to help them achieve their goals
• Training in genetic counseling covers all facets of the field, from clinic to laboratory, research, public policy, education, and leadership, allowing graduates to practice and apply skills wherever they want
  • This comprehensive training prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities
• Content in all areas builds upon skills throughout the program, providing a solid foundation and introductory experiences to increase involvement with expectations over time
  • This structured approach helps students develop a deep understanding of the field and its applications
• Emphasis on personal and professional development along with processes transferable to all areas of genetic counseling
  • This focus on development helps students become well-rounded professionals who are prepared to succeed in their careers

Accreditation

The M.S. Genetic Counseling Program at UNC Greensboro is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC). The program was designed in accordance with guidelines provided by the ACGC, ensuring that graduates are eligible to apply to the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) for Active Candidate Status and to sit for the ABGC Certification Examination.

Career Opportunities

Genetic counseling is one of the fastest-growing healthcare fields, with incredibly high demand for graduates. The average starting salary of a genetic counselor is $77,600, and the overall average salary is $102,000. The program at UNCG has a board pass rate of over 98% since 2010 and a 100% job placement rate within three months of graduation, with most students securing jobs prior to graduating. This demonstrates the program's success in preparing students for careers in genetic counseling.