genetic counseling meetingEarning 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.

Genetic Counselor Fellowship Available

We have partnered with the School of Medicine and the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB to offer a one-year post-graduation fellowship to a student in the M.S. in Genetic Counseling program. The fellowship will provide advanced clinical training, research and teaching opportunities in the area of cancer genetic counseling. The student who is selected for the position will have full tuition support, be employed by the UAB Department of Genetics, and earn an educational stipend during the fellowship year in exchange for a four-year post-graduation commitment to work at UAB.

Quick Facts

With programs like the Alabama Genomic Health Initiative and the Precision Medicine Institute, UAB is bringing precision medicine to Alabama and beyond.

Genetic Counselor was named one of the “25 Amazing Healthcare Support Jobs” for 2016 in an article published by U.S. News & World Report.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a growth rate of 29% for genetic counseling positions over the years 2014 - 2024. This far exceeds the average growth rate of 7% for all occupations.

#IAmaGeneticCounselor

What do genetic counselors do, and why do they love it? Hear from our faculty and alumni!

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 Accreditation

The Genetic Counseling program at UAB is fully accredited by ACGC.

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

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.

 

Admissions
FAQs
Curriculum

Spotlight

rebecca shapiro intro

 

Rebecca Shapiro, UAB Genetic Counseling Class of 2017, traveled 140 miles for her undergraduate degree (Detroit to Kalamazoo) and 718 miles for her graduate degree (Kalamazoo to Birmingham).

For more information about our students, visit the Current Students page.