Education and Training

Ferre’s Professional and Community Lectures

The genetic counseling staff of Ferre Institute has lectured extensively throughout New York State and nationally. We have lectured to a variety of audiences, including but not limited to community groups, support groups, medical staff/grand rounds, students, and medical/healthcare conferences. We are glad to accommodate your group’s/institution’s lecturing needs. If you are not within our catchment area, we would be happy to help find a genetic counselor in your area to lecture to your group or you may search the NSGC directory. We will also accept an honorarium to support our staff time.

Becoming a Genetic Counselor

Gaining Experience

Students interested in the field of genetic counseling should make an effort to gain some experience through:

science coursework
lab experience
counseling experience (through a crisis hotline, Planned Parenthood, peer counseling, etc)
and possibly by shadowing a genetic counselor

Career Opportunities

The genetic counseling profession is rapidly expanding and diversifying. Heightened public awareness, coupled with scientific advances in adult disorders and reproductive technologies, have increased the demand for genetic counselors in clinical, teaching, administrative, commercial, private practice, and consulting environments. This trend is expected to continue well into the 21st century and beyond.

Training Programs

Currently, numerous training programs offer master’s degrees in genetic counseling in the United States and Canada as well as several other countries around the world.

Coursework typically includes:

Clinical genetics
Population genetics
Cytogenetics
Molecular genetics
Psychosocial theory
Ethics
Counseling techniques

Clinical placement in ABGC-approved medical genetics centers is an integral part of the degree requirements. A list of the genetic counseling training programs can be found here.

Additional programs accept nurses seeking post-graduate degrees with specialty training in genetics.

Useful links

If you are interested the field of genetic counseling and live near one of our programs, contact our genetic counselors. You can also use the NSGC website to locate a genetic counselor.