Education · 1 of 5

The path

A four-year degree, then a specific two-year master's. There is no other route in.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Biology, chemistry and statistics. Volunteer somewhere that puts you in front of people having a hard day.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   4 years

   Biology, genetics, psychology or public health are common. You need genetics, biochemistry and statistics courses plus counseling or crisis-line experience.

3. 3

   Apply through the admissions match

   One application cycle

   Programs and applicants rank each other and a computer pairs them, the way medical residencies work. Many people apply twice.

4. 4

   Master's degree

   2 years

   A program accredited by the ACGC (Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling). Classroom genetics plus supervised clinical rotations and a research project.

5. 5

   Certification and license

   After graduation

   Pass the board exam from the ABGC (American Board of Genetic Counseling) to become a certified genetic counselor, then apply to your state.