Genetic Counseling (GC) candidates must apply via the National Matching Service (NMS).
Applicants are strongly advised to submit their application early in the cycle. All application supporting materials (e.g., letters of recommendation, transcripts) must be received and verified by the NMS deadline.
The admissions committee only reviews applications submitted through NMS with complete documentation. It is the applicant’s responsibility to confirm the application’s completion by viewing their online NMS application. Please do not contact the GC program to determine completeness.
Application Requirements
Applicants to the Genetic Counseling Program must meet the following academic, professional, and technical requirements before applying.
- Candidates must hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) or equivalent from an accredited institution.
- Candidates must have a grade point average of 3.0 (B) or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- All academic prerequisites must be completed prior to applying to the program.
- Transcripts must be from a regionally accredited institution or a US equivalent Bachelor’s degree, based on a foreign credential evaluation.
- Course requirements
- Introductory Genetics
- Biochemistry (with lab)
- Organic Chemistry (with lab)
- Biology with Laboratory (minimum 2 semesters/quarters)
- Introductory Statistics
- Psychology
- Highly recommended courses
- Cellular and/or Molecular Biology
- Anatomy and/or physiology
- Additional genetics courses
- Additional Suggested Activities
- Demonstrated interest in the field of genetics (summer internship in a genomics/genetics lab, undergraduate projects, or additional coursework in genetics)
- Volunteer work in a crisis center, crisis hotline, or other similar environment
- Direct patient care experience is preferred but not required. This can be substituted with volunteer work in a crisis center, etc. Shadowing of genetic counseling not required.
- Three Letters of Recommendation. One must be an Academic reference from a college professor. If you are unable to obtain an academic reference, please contact admissionsinfo@cdrewu.edu
- One Admissions Essay/Statement of Purpose. Essays should have a 500-750 word count and be uploaded as a Microsoft Word document or PDF.
- Resume/CV demonstrating interest in the field of genetics.
- Applicant Interviews: Personal interviews will be offered to candidates selecting our program through NMS after review by the Admissions Committee. Interviews are conducted between January and March.
- Proficiency in English is mandatory. All applicants whose first language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The TOEFL requirement may be waived for applicants with a post-secondary degree from an accredited US institution. The scores must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service to the Office of Admissions. Only the IBT (Internet-Based Test) form of the TOEFL will be accepted. A total score of 100 and a speaking score of 26 will be a prerequisite for entry into the program.
- Pre-Matriculation Contingency: if admitted, matriculation into the program will be contingent upon:
- Timely submission of the intent to enroll and the required deposit
- Successful completion of background check, drug screen, and submission of health and up-to-date immunization records
- Current health insurance
- OSHA and HIPAA training
- Mandatory in-person attendance at the program orientation in August.
- All candidates must be able, with or without reasonable accommodation, to independently meet general and program-specific technical and ethical standards throughout the program. These standards have been developed in consideration of the demands of didactic and clinical training in the graduate health sciences and of clinical practice as a genetic counselor.