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Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences School of Health Professions

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 Meagan Cochran 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. Simulated Genetic Counseling Case Series
    • 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

    The UAB Genetic Counseling Clinics are hiring genetic counseling assistants with a start date of summer 2023.

    Learn More

Virtual Shadowing Case Series

In collaboration with the UAB Department of Genetics and real patient families, the UAB Genetic Counseling Program has developed a virtual shadowing experience.

This case series features two prenatal and two pediatric genetic counseling sessions. Viewers can experience the patient journey from pre-test to post-test, and become familiar with the 'behind the scenes' work of a genetic counselor. There is no cost associated with viewing the series, and you can watch the cases at your own pace.