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Genetic Counseling

Online Courses with 2-3 Campus Sessions Twice a Year

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Assess Risk, Educate About Options,
Provide Support.

Accepting Applications for September 7, 2022
Applications and Materials are due February 4, 2022

To our applicants: We very much appreciate your thoughtful applications and are actively reviewing them all. We will reach out soon to those who will be offered interviews, which will be conducted virtually throughout the month of March. If you have specific questions, please reach out to the program director, Janice Berliner, at jberliner@baypath.edu.

Note to All Applicants: before applying, Applicants must register at Genetic Counseling Admissions Match - Click here to register. Please see ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS for complete information.

Bay Path University's MS in Genetic Counseling prepares graduates for careers in the expanding field of genetic counseling. Become part of a program that offers an engaging, rewarding, and highly accessible, personalized learning experience.

Students in the genetic counseling program gain superior knowledge and skills for the evaluation, monitoring, diagnosis, treatment, and counseling of patients across their lifespan. Bay Path is dedicated to preparing our students for varied roles in the genetic counseling workforce; students who will advocate for their patients, maintain quality and ethical standards, effectively work in interdisciplinary teams, contribute to research, and strive for the advancement of, and leadership in, the genetic counseling profession.

"The best job of 2018, Genetic Counselor, is in healthcare, and owes its exponential growth to technology. The NATIONAL SOCIETY OF GENETIC COUNSELORS estimates that since 2006, the field has grown by 85%. The U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS estimates growth by another 27% in the next eight years." For more information read the entire article.

OUR MS IN genetic counseling:

• includes exceptional learning experiences: Mentored independent research, Community engagement, Professional development, and Educational, laboratory, and industry settings

• is Ideal for students with a science background and strong interpersonal skills

• encourages students from a variety of ethnocultural backgrounds to apply. All students are trained in best practices for working with culturally diverse patients

Podcast: What Is Genetic Counseling?
Join Janice Berliner and Dr. Dave Vigerust with Kristin Sunanta Walker (Mental Health News Radio) as they discuss the field of Genetics and explain exactly what Genetic Counseling is and why it is invaluable. The field of mental health is in dire need of genetic counselors. Janice discusses her shift from the clinical world of genetics to that of being an educator. Listen here.

Contact Graduate Admissions to Discuss Your Goals.
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Accreditation

The Masters of Science in Genetic Counseling Program at Bay Path University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling, Inc., 7918 Jones Branch Drive, Ste. 300, McLean, VA 22102. Telephone: (703) 506 - 7667.

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How is the program offered?

Program is offered in a flexible hybrid format:

Courses are offered online, with 2-3 day sessions held twice per year at the East Longmeadow, Massachusetts campus to supplement online learning
Clinical sites for fieldwork (4 clinical rotations, 800 hours) at numerous clinical genetics centers in Western Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and other locations nationally

How many credits is the program?

The program is 59 credits.

When can I start the program?

The 21-month program begins every September.

What will I learn in the program?

Curriculum prepares students to utilize emerging research and tests to address current health care challenges and opportunities.

Who teaches the courses?

The program is led by a dedicated team of faculty with innovative teaching strategies.

How much is tuition?

The per credit cost of tuition can be found here.

Can I get help paying for my degree?

Yes, financial aid is available.

Do I have to take a standardized test for admission?

No. The GMAT and GRE are not required.

Will I have access to learning resources?

Yes. Students have access to mentoring, tutoring, library resources, academic resources, and career services.

How can I schedule an appointment to learn more?

Professional Licensure and Certification

Genetic counseling certification is regulated nationally by the American Board of Genetic Counselors, Inc (ABGC). In order to become a Board Certified Genetic Counselor, an applicant must have a master’s degree in genetic counseling from a program that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling, Inc (ACGC). Bay Path University’s MS in Genetic Counseling Program is accredited by the ACGC, and thereby meets the academic requirements that graduates need for national certification as genetic counselors. Many states also regulate the genetic counseling profession at the state level. Every state where licensure is required uses ABGC certification in place of a licensure exam. Other requirements may include, but are not limited to, application and licensing fees, criminal background checks, reference checks,
and other requirements. It is important for students and new genetic counselors to be aware of all such requirements and plan accordingly. The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) maintains the most up to date list of states requiring genetic counseling licensure on their website.