Education · 1 of 4
The path
A science degree, then a master's program with only a handful of seats in each class.
- 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 that all its first-time test takers passed over the last three years.