Education · 1 of 4
The path
A science degree, then a tiny master's program that is harder to get into than most medical schools.
- 1
High school
Grades 11 and 12
Biology, chemistry, math and English. You need marks for a science degree.
- 2
Bachelor's degree
4 years
Usually genetics, biology or molecular biology, with a psychology course. Manitoba wants a GPA (grade point average) of 3.7 in your last two years. Volunteer in crisis counselling, hospice or disability support, because programs want to see counselling experience, not just marks.
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Master's in genetic counselling
2 years
Five programs in Canada: UBC (University of British Columbia), Manitoba, Toronto, McGill and Université de Montréal in French. Classes, clinical rotations and a research project. Manitoba takes three students a year.
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Certification exam
After graduation
The CBGC (Canadian Board of Genetic Counselling) exam earns the CCGC (Certified Canadian Genetic Counsellor) credential. Many also write the American board exam. Manitoba reports a 100% first-time pass rate over the last three years.