Prospective Students

Interested in genetic counseling?

Let us know how we can help. Complete the prospective student interest form below.

Complete Prospective Student Interest Form

Shadowing

Shadowing a genetic counselor is a great way to learn more about the genetic counseling field. Learn more about shadowing opportunities at UAB and surrounding areas.

  • UAB Genetic Counseling Shadowing

    Shadowing opportunities at UAB can be limited. Shadowers will be allowed to observe in two different clinics that are typically one-half day in length. Available clinics include: cancer genetics, prenatal genetics, pediatric genetics, and some specialty clinics.

    UAB Genetic Counseling Clinics typically accept student shadowers May-August and in December. After you complete the required materials, you will be added to a waiting list and contacted when shadowing opportunities are available.

    Shadowing Requirements

    Year in School TB Skin Test Flu Shot
    Must be a rising junior or senior at an undergraduate institution or graduated from an undergraduate institution Documentation of a negative TB skin test from within the past 6 months Documentation of a flu shot received in the past year
    COVID-19 Vaccination Other Vaccinations HIPAA Training
    Documentation of COVID-19 vaccination card. At least two doses are required. Documentation of immunization or have titers drawn for: varicella, measles, and hepatitis B Complete UAB HIPAA training and provide certificate of completion. If you have a UAB email address and password, follow this link. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are not affiliated with UAB for instructions.
    Student Interest Form Resume or CV Previous Shadowing Experience
    Complete the student interest form. Submit a resume or CV that includes educational background and any volunteer or work experiences Provide a brief summary of any previous genetic counseling shadowing experience to date. You can include this information when you submit requirements using the link below. A separate document is not required
    • Year in School - Must be a rising junior or senior at an undergraduate institution or graduated from an undergraduate institution
    • TB Skin Test - Documentation of a negative TB skin test from within the past 6 months
    • Flu Shot - Documentation of a flu shot received in the past year
    • COVID-19 Vaccination - Documentation of COVID-19 vaccination card. At least two doses are required.
    • Other Vaccinations - Documentation of immunization or have titers drawn for: varicella, measles, and hepatitis B.
    • HIPAA Training - Complete UAB HIPAA training and provide certificate of completion. If you have a UAB email address and password, follow this link. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are not affiliated with UAB for instructions.
    • Student Interest Form - Complete the student interest form.
    • Resume or CV - Submit a resume or CV that includes educational background and any volunteer or work experiences.
    • Previous Shadowing Experience - Provide a brief summary of any previous genetic counseling shadowing experience to date. You can include this information when you submit requirements using the link below. A separate document is not required.

    Use the link below to submit the shadowing requirements. Only submit the form after all requirements have been met. If all materials are received, you will receive a confirmation email with further instructions.

    Submit shadowing requirements

  • Regional Genetic Counseling Shadowing
    • HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL - Email Kelly East at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are interested in shadowing. HudsonAlpha also offers a variety of summer internships, including an internship in genetic counseling.
    • Clearview Cancer Institute, Huntsville, AL - Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to make a shadow request. Provide name, year in school, and potential dates of interest. CCI has shadowing paperwork that needs to be filled out before the shadow date, but that will be sent to the shadower once a date is confirmed.
    • Mitchell Cancer Institute, Mobile, AL - Email Cassie Gurganus at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to learn more about shadowing opportunities.
    • University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS - Email or call Glenda Hicks to learn more about shadowing at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Glenda’s email is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and her phone number is 601-984-1900.
  • Alternatives to Shadowing

    Check out our suggestions for ways to supplement and/or enhance knowledge of genetic counseling.

    Interview a Genetic Counselor Read the Literature Podcasts/Online Video Content
    Aim to interview genetic counselors in different areas of the field (cancer, pediatric, prenatal, industry, other). You can find a genetic counselor by going to www.nsgc.org and clicking on ‘Find a Genetic Counselor.’ We suggest the Journal of Genetic Counseling and Genetics in Medicine as two clinically focused primary genetics literature sources. Search ‘genetic counseling’ in your favorite podcast streaming service or online video content provider.
    Attend an Information Session Search Professional Organization Websites UAB Online Shadowing Series
    Reach out to genetic counseling programs you are interested in and ask when they will be having an information session. Coming soon
    • Interview a Genetic Counselor - Aim to interview genetic counselors in different areas of the field (cancer, pediatric, prenatal, industry, other). You can find a genetic counselor by going to www.nsgc.org and clicking on ‘Find a Genetic Counselor.’
    • Read the Literature - We suggest the Journal of Genetic Counseling and Genetics in Medicine as two clinically focused primary genetics literature sources.
    • Podcasts/Online Video Content - Search ‘genetic counseling’ in your favorite podcast streaming service or online video content provider.
    • Attend an Information Session - Reach out to genetic counseling programs you are interested in and ask when they will be having an information session.
    • Search Professional Organization Websites -
    • UAB Online Shadowing Series - Coming soon
  • Paid Positions

     

    • Genetic Counseling Assistant (GCA)

      Genetic Counseling Assistant (GCA) positions are typically full-time employment opportunities that provide in-depth exposure to the field in a clinical or laboratory setting. You can find these positions by searching online job advertisement sites or reaching out to a particular institution of interest directly.

      The UAB Medical Genomics Laboratory is currently seeking applicants for the position of laboratory genetic counselor assistant (GCA). This position is geared for applicants looking for opportunities outside the clinical realm of genetics and allows for a unique experience working in a specialized genetic testing laboratory. We expect that the applicant will be hired by the summer of 2022. Interested applicants should direct all questions and resumes/CVs to the laboratory genetic counselor, Bryce Brown, whose contact information is provided below.

      Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

      Phone: 205-934-5525

      *The UAB Clinic Genetics team is currently looking for applicants for the position of clinical genetic counseling assistant. To learn more about the job description and to apply, click this link.

      HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology is hiring a genetic counseling assistant for Summer 2022-Summer 2023. This individual would work 25 hours per week. The position is located in Huntsville, Alabama.

      To learn more about the job description and to apply, click this link.

    • Internships

      Application Deadline: Friday, May 20 at 5:00 p.m. ET.

      The Pre-Genetic Counseling (PGC) internship program is housed in the Clinical Cancer and Adult Genetics Program, within the Department of Genetics at UNC Chapel Hill. It is designed to support recent graduates to gain the skills and experience they need to be successful applicants for Genetic Counseling graduate programs.

      The PGC program is a full-time, one year post-baccalaureate internship with a monthly salary of ~$2,600 (~$31,200 annual). There are two internship placements each year. Preference for one internship position is given to applicants from population groups currently under-represented in the field of genetic counseling. Internships begin in June/July 2022.

      One position will focus primarily on clinical and translational genetics and one will focus on the Clinical Genome Resource (ClinGen) program. All interns are exposed to the clinical activities of the Genetics department with additional opportunities for shadowing in other genetic specialties at UNC.

      Eligibility Requirements

      • BA/BS degree in Biology, Psychology or related field
      • Professional interest in the field of genetic counseling as a career with plans to apply to graduate programs in fall/winter 2022 for enrollment fall 2023
      • Successful completion of standard course prerequisites for a graduate program in Genetic Counseling: (listed below)
        • 1 semester/quarter of genetics (includes human genetics, molecular biology, etc)
        • 1 semester/quarter of psychology
        • 1 semester/quarter of biochemistry (some programs also require organic chemistry)
        • 1 semester/ quarter of statistics

      Note: It is acceptable to need no more than one additional course to meet graduate school application requirements. Interns will need to describe their plan to take their one additional course (e.g. Statistics) during their internship.

      Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities of Successful Applicants
      • Familiarity with basic family history concepts.
      • Knowledge of basic genetics concepts including inheritance, penetrance, and heterogeneity.
      • Familiarity with basic software programs including Word and Excel as well as comfort navigating web-based conferencing.
      • Familiarity with the medical office environment, including electronic medical record systems and patient confidentiality is considered a plus.
      • Excellent written and oral communication skills.

      Application Deadline

      Friday, May 20, 5:00 p.m. ET

      Please send the required application materials listed below to Kristy Lee at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

      Application Requirements

      1. Transcript – unofficial is acceptable.
      2. CV/Resume
      3. Two letters of reference
      4. Essay describing your desire to become a genetic counselor. (500 words max)
      5. Please state if you wish to be considered for the under-represented populations internship