Training to be a genetic counsellor       Definition and Aims of genetic counselling       Genetic counselling is defined as 'a communication process which deals with human problems associated with the occurrence, or the risk of occurrence, of a genetic disorder in a family (American Society of Human Genetics, 1975). The aims of genetic counselling are to help the individual or family:           -  understand the information about the genetic condition     -  appreciate the inheritance pattern and risk of recurrence     -  understand the options available     -  make decisions appropriate to their personal and family situation     -  make the best possible adjustment to the disorder or risk.       Genetic counselling may change the client's quality of life. Quality of life may change positively or negatively. Positive change requires not only provision of factual information but also: the formation of good relationships between the client and the counsellor enabling the client to place factual genetic information into the family context facilitating the client to integrate lay knowledge with factual information.       What skills are needed by a genetic counsellor?       There is a clear distinction between genetic counsellors, who are working primarily with families at high genetic risk, and other health professionals who may need a basic knowledge of genetics to practise in their own settings. The term 'genetic counsellor' has been adopted in the United Kingdom as the title for non-medical health professionals working in clinical settings, providing genetic counselling. A study by the Working Party of the Association of Genetic Nurses and Counsellors (AGNC) indicated that the education and training of genetic counsellors needs to include experience of working with people, genetics education, counselling skills training, and training in teaching adults. A process for standardised education and training of genetic counsellors has been developed by the AGNC. Practitioners who are eligible to register will have either a background in nursing or midwifery OR have completed a Master's degree in genetic counselling with a substantial clinical component. In either case, the practitioner should have undergone counselling skills training of at least 120 hours duration. Genetic counsellors seeking professional registration will be expected to have completed a period of training (probably 2 years) covering a broad spectrum of genetic counselling.       How do I become a genetic counsellor?       If you are a graduate nurse or midwife, have two years post- registration experience, and have completed counselling skills training of at least 120 hours duration, you will be eligible to apply for a position as a genetic counsellor. When applying for a post in a genetics centre, community experience is helpful, as many genetic counsellors visit families at home. Additional education or experience in the field of genetics is also desirable. There are a number of courses on human or medical genetics available, these are listed in the courses directory. If you are a graduate of a discipline related to clinical genetics, such as genetics, biology, psychology or sociology, then you could apply to do a Master's degree in genetic counselling. When selecting students for such courses, selectors will usually require evidence of experience of caring work, either paid or voluntary. At present, there are two institutions offering a Master's degree in genetic counselling in the United Kingdom. These are the University of Manchester and the University of Wales.   MSc Genetic Counselling    University of Manchester: http://www.medicine.manchester.ac.uk/geneticcounselling       University of Wales: http://www.uwcm.ac.uk/study/medicine/medical_genetics/study/msc/