Admission to the Program

Admission Requirements for Genetic Counseling

At UNMC, we value well-rounded, unique individuals and strive to create a diverse learning community. We perform a holistic review of all applications, considering both academic and non-academic experiences. Enrollment in the program is limited and competitive. The admissions committee of the program, composed of program faculty and administration, evaluates the qualifications of each applicant and makes the final selections for admission.

Application Deadlines and Admissions Timetable

Prerequisites

Degree and GPA

Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree at time of application submission. We take a closer look at the overall GPA and the last 30 semester hours in the sciences (defined as any courses in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and genetics). Specific degree not required but the genetics and psychology pre-requisites must be met at the time of the application. Most applicants have a degree in biology, genetics, chemistry, psychology, social work, nursing or related field.

Notes:

1. Admission to the program will be dependent on successful completion of all prerequisite coursework. While a prerequisite course can be in progress, genetics and psychology must be completed prior to submitting your application.
2. Any repeated course grades (original and repeated) will be averaged in the GPA calculations and used accordingly in evaluation of the application.
3. Any graduate level work in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and/or genetics will be reviewed.
4. INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS: The Genetic Counseling Education program was added to University’s I-17 in February of 2022 and is pending approval. We understand this process can take 6-12 months. We look forward to including international student applications in the near future. Please email cahpadmissions@unmc.edu with any questions.

Required Coursework

One semester of AP, CLEP, and DSST credit can count toward the general biology and chemistry requirements but cannot completely fill this requirement. In addition, these courses will not satisfy the genetics, biochemistry, statistics, or psychology requirements.

• 2 semesters or equivalent of general biology with lab (biology for majors)
• 2 semesters or equivalent of general chemistry with lab (chemistry for majors)
• 1 semester or equivalent of upper level biochemistry* where organic chemistry is a prerequisite for the course *Note: content must include 1) metabolism of glycogen, fatty acids, and amino acids, 2) structure and function of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids
• 1 semester or equivalent of general or upper level psychology
• 1 semester or equivalent of general/introductory or upper level genetics
• 1 semester or equivalent of statistics
• 1 semester or equivalent of molecular or cell biology

GRE - none

As of 2020 (July), UNMC will no longer require or utilize scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) for admission to the Genetic Counseling Program.

Supporting Materials

1. Official transcripts from all institutions attended.
2. AdMISSION bio: eight questions that help us learn more about you.
3. Three professional or educational individuals to serve as a reference via an online evaluation.
4. Personal statement – see application for more details
5. Targeted Resume to summarize recommended (not required) experiences
   Specific Sections: 1) Counseling/Client Advocacy Experience 2) Lab/Research Experience and 3)
   Exposure to the genetic counseling field.
   Format: Name and National Match Number in top right hand corner
   Times New Roman, 12 pt font, 1" margins, maximum of 2 pages

Recommended Experiences

1. Counseling/Client Advocacy Experience: We strongly recommend applicants have experience in counseling or client advocacy as these experiences provide opportunities to build communication skills, empathy, and interpersonal skills. This experience can come from a variety of spaces, including working or volunteering with a crisis center, working with individuals with disabilities or persons with medical needs.
2. Laboratory/research experience
3. Exposure to the field of Genetic Counseling: Applicants should understand the role of a genetic counselor.
   1. Examples of exposure include watching the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) online Master Genetic Counseling series, interviewing a genetic counselor (in person or by phone), talking with genetic counseling students, listening to Podcasts on genetic counseling, attending genetic counseling conferences or webinars, or a formal job shadow experience. Of note, a job shadow is not required for admission.

Admission Committee will review the entire application when selecting applicants to interview. These interviews will take place in February and March (see admissions timetable for specific dates).

For more information, please check out the information for prospective students created by the Association of Genetic Counseling Program Directors.

National Match Service

All applicants must register online with the National Match Service (NMS) before applying to participating programs. Your NMS identifier is required for our application.  

Once admission interviews are complete, both applicants and programs will submit ranked lists of preferred placements prior to the final deadline. A computerized matching algorithm will determine final placements. This Match list will be released both to applicants and programs simultaneously in April. The results of the Match are binding. 

For more information on this process, please visit the National Match Service page. 

Waiver Program: The Association for Genetic Counseling Program Directors (AGCPD) offers a limited number of waivers for the $100 USD registration fee required by the NMS GC Admissions Match. Prospective students should apply for a fee waiver BEFORE registering for the GC Admissions Match. 

Apply for Match Fee Waiver (Deadline early October)