Counseling skills are developed through clinical rotations at genetic counseling centers during the second year. A clinical research study project is assigned to each student. Students may elect to specialize in bioethics, family social science, or another relevant field reflecting personal interest. A minimum of 150 hours of genetics laboratory experience must be completed during the first year, and a minimum of 600 hours of clinical genetics experience completed in the second. A final oral examination and a research paper are required for graduation.
Graduates are eligible to apply for board certification in genetic counseling.
Students are chosen according to academic performance, life experiences and interpersonal communications skills. Requirements for acceptance are a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and courses in genetics, organic chemistry, biochemistry, statistics, psychology or social science. Candidates must also submit scores from the general and advanced portions of the Graduate Record Examination.