Train to be a Genetic Counsellor in the UK

A Masters training programme in Genomic Counselling started in September 2016 .  The programme forms part of the Scientific Training Programme under the National School of Healthcare Science (NSHCS).  The 3 year traineeship combines an MSc in Genomic Counselling with work-based training in a Regional Genetics Centre supporting families with a range of genetic and genomic conditions.   It is designed to provide the education in the science of genomics and relevant counselling theory, alongside the experience required to practice as a Genetic Counsellor and to obtain professional registration.  

There is more detail about being a Genetic Counsellor on this website and at:

https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/life-sciences/genetic-counselling

https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/life-sciences/genetic-counselling/entry-and-training-genetic-counselling

Eligibility

Applicants to the STP must have an honours degree (1st or 2:1) in a pure or applied science area relevant to the specialism for which they are applying.  For genomic counselling a first degree in a biological science, psychology or nursing would be most relevant and applicants with such qualifications are welcomed.  Applicants with a relevant 2:2 degree will also be considered if they have an MSc or PhD of relevance.

For applicants whose degree did not include completion of genetics modules, it will be expected that a short course in the science of human genetics has, or will be, completed.

For the Genomic Counselling programme, experience working in a caring role is highly desirable, and candidates are unlikely to be shortlisted without this.  This may be through previous professional work (e.g. nursing/social work) or in a voluntary capacity and should be equivalent to 6-months full-time work. Awareness of, or basic training in, counselling may also be advantageous.

For all STP applicants, evidence of research experience (e.g. in the form of a higher degree or equivalent evidence of scientific and academic capability), is considered desirable.

Applications

Applications are invited from interested parties.  Recruitment is through the National School of Healthcare Science.  Please see the following website for more details: https://nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/programmes/stp/applicants/

Further enquiries about the application process should be directed to the National School of Healthcare Science. hcsapplicants@wm.hee.nhs.uk 

Enquiries about the role of a genetic counsellor can be directed to the AGNC if they are not answered on the website.

Funding

The STP training posts will be salaried and the intercalated MSc will also be funded.  Please contact the Genomics Education Programme at Health Education England for latest details on the salary rates.

Other opportunities to train to be a Genetic Counsellor

There are MSc programmes available through University of Glasgow and Cardiff University. The following are excerpts from the University websites:

MSc(MedSci). University of Glasgow

24 months full-time.

Contact: med-sch-medgen-msc@glasgow.ac.uk

The MSc in Genetic and Genomic Counselling is designed to give students a working knowledge of the principles and practice of Genetic Counselling which will qualify them to practice as Genetic and Genomic Counsellors. The programme will be delivered by University of Glasgow staff in collaboration with NHS staff from the West of Scotland Genetics Service, so that a current perspective on both laboratory diagnostics and clinical services will be obtained. This programme is accredited by the UK Genetic Counsellor Registration Board.

Find out more

(MSc). Cardiff University

36 months part time. Distance learning.

The primary aim of this course is to train graduates interested in the clinical application of advances in human genetics and genomics so that they can provide and critically evaluate genetic and genomic counselling services. You will be given a thorough grounding in human genomics, genetics, genetic analysis and bioinformatics, in communication and counselling skills, and in the skills required for you to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team providing genetic and genomic counselling for families. The course is particularly suitable for students interested in pursuing a career as a genetic counsellor. It is designed to meet the UK Genetic Counsellor Registration Board (GCRB) Set 'A' educational requirement to submit a Notification of Intention to Register with the GCRB (see www.gcrb.org.uk/), as well as the European Board of Medical Genetics (EBMG Genetic Counsellors division) educational requirement to submit a Notification of Intention to Register with the EBMG.

The MSc in Genetic and Genomic Counselling is an innovative part-time, largely distance learning course.  Being a 'blended learning' course, this opens up our well established genetic counsellor training expertise to a European and international audience, as it removes the need for you to relocate to Cardiff for full time study to train as a genetic counsellor.  Instead, you will attend short intensive teaching blocks in Wales (UK) and engage in the online learning components throughout the remainder of each year.  Approved placement learning in your own location is also undertaken in year 2. 

We are committed to developing your practice in evidence-based genetic and genomic counselling, with a strong emphasis on preparing you to contribute to clinical and health services research in genetic and genomic counselling.  The programme team includes world-class researchers in genetic and genomic counselling and counselling skills are taught by an expert counsellor.

There are other programmes available internationally but it would be important to check with the Genetic Counsellor Registration Board (GCRB) that these are accepted for registration as a Genetic Counsellor in the UK if you intend to practice here.  Please see: http://www.gcrb.org.uk/

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A note about Genetic Counselling and Genomic Counselling

Previous MSc programmes for training Genetic Counsellors have been titled Genetic Counselling, but the title Genomic Counselling in this programme reflects the increased focus on the use of genomic information and technologies in healthcare.  Genetic counselling traditionally focused on how individual genes influence disease risk and predisposition.  Genomic counselling could be thought to involve examining all the genes and how they interact to help diagnose disease and determine prognosis, risk and the selection of therapeutic options.  Genomic tests are now being used more frequently in healthcare and can present complex ethical, psychological and social challenges for individuals and their families.  Those completing the STP Genomic Counselling training are currently expected to work under the professional title Genetic Counsellor. (NHS Choices http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/genetics/Pages/genetic-testing-and-counselling.aspx, last accessed 06.01.2016). There is currently international debate about the future use of the professional title of Genomic Counsellor (Middleton, Aet al (2015) Mol Genet Genomic Med 3(2): 79-83).