Prerequisites and Applications

Each genetic counseling program sets their own prerequisites and has a unique application process. They all require applicants to participate in the national match. In general, courses in Biology, Chemistry, and a few Psychology courses are prerequisites. It’s also important to determine where you take these classes. As a mature student, I decided to complete all my prerequisites online. This allowed me to feel safe while learning in the time of COVID and to keep working. However, I was primarily interested in online programs. If you find that online courses are better for you, contact the program and ask if they accept them. I appreciated the honesty of one program director who told me they have a preference for in-person courses as prerequisites.

I narrowed my options of programs to apply to based on location (my husband and I are not moving), prerequisites, and GRE requirement. I decided not to apply to any programs that required the GRE.

I found a simple spreadsheet helpful when organizing prerequisite and application information. (I do enjoy organizing. 😊) I’ll include a link below to a copy of my spreadsheet.