Genetic Counseling

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genetic counseling meeting Earning a Master of Science in Genetic Counseling will help you be prepared for the high demand, rapidly evolving field of genomic medicine. A combination of classroom and clinical experiences in pediatric, prenatal, cancer, and other specialties teach you to work with patients and families who are learning about and coping with the risk genetic disease may have for themselves and their relatives.

Genetic counseling is a versatile degree that allows you to also work with companies, on research teams, and with patient advocacy groups. Located in the heart of a major medical and research center, the UAB genetic counseling program can set you apart with a dynamic curriculum tailored to your goals.

Quick Facts

2023 was the sixth consecutive year UAB has been named both a Diversity Champion and received a HEED (Higher Education Excellence In Diversity) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.

UAB brings precision medicine to Alabama and beyond through involvement with programs like the Alabama Genomic Health Initiative, Precision Medicine Institute, All of Us Research Program, and the eMERGE Network.

UAB is recognized as a Rare Disease Center of Excellence by the National Organization of Rare Diseases and UAB’s Undiagnosed Diseases Program has been named a Diagnostic Center of Excellence by the Undiagnosed Diseases Network.

Genetic Counselor was named one of the top “25 Amazing Healthcare Support Jobs” for 2023 in an article published by U.S. News & World Report.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a growth rate of 18% for genetic counseling positions over the years 2021-2031. This far exceeds the average growth rate of 5% for all occupations.

Learn more about the Genetic Counseling Career

Program Accreditation

The Genetic Counseling program at UAB is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC).

Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC)
4400 College Blvd., Ste. 220
Overland Park, KS 66211
Phone: 913-222-8668 Fax: 913-222-8606

Program Mission

To provide a quality educational experience in genetic counseling to prepare students to be skilled health professionals who will serve individuals, families, and the greater community.

Program Vision

To foster an environment that enables learners to become forward thinking and compassionate genomics professionals within the organizations and communities they serve. 

Program Shared Values

Respect - through treating others with high regard, integrity, and an appreciation of their lived experiences. 

Collaboration - through cultivating a supportive environment that engages and values the perspectives of peers, colleagues, patients, and the greater community. 

Innovation - through encouraging intellectual curiosity and critical thinking that improves the lives of others.

Certifications and Licensures

The UAB genetic counseling program is designed to lead to professional certification through the American Board of Genetic Counseling, Inc (ABGC). While there is a national certification exam offered by ABGC, board certification does not confer state licensure. Specific licensure requirements vary from state to state.

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Taylor Dunn

Spotlight

Taylor Dunn, UAB Genetic Counseling Class of 2021, moved from Iowa City, Iowa for her graduate degree. As part of the program, she returned to the Midwest (Kansas City, a previous offsite rotation site) for her pediatric and specialty clinical rotations. However, after graduation she decided to stay in Birmingham is now a genetic counselor and clinical supervisor in the UAB prenatal and reproductive endocrinology clinics.

Visit the Current Students Page to read about our students, and the Department of Genetics Page to read more about the clinical supervisors and care teams.

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