Department of Prehealth: Pre-Genetic Counseling

Prepare Yourself.

To provide students with the appropriate knowledge, experience, and mentoring Avila’s Pre-Genetic Counseling Career Track offers a variety of educational experiences including coursework, clinical training, and research project preparation. 

Requirements:

A bachelor of science degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required in order to obtain a master of science degree in genetic counseling. The following courses are required by most programs:

  • BI 111 General Biology Cells and Genes
  • BI 112 General Biology Ecology and Evolution
  • BI 220 Human Anatomy and Physiology (8 credit option)
  • BI 318 Genetics
  • BI 345 Molecular Cell Biology
  • CH 135 General Chemistry I
  • CH 137 General Chemistry II
  • CH 216 Organic Chemistry I
  • CH 217 Organic Chemistry II
  • BI/CH 342 Biochemistry I
  • PY 101 General Psychology
  • EN 112 English Composition II
  • MA 155 Elementary Probability and Statistics

Some type of experience in crisis counseling is expected. Job shadowing a genetic counselor is strongly recommended as well.

Valuable resources for applicants to programs in genetic counseling

Standardized Entrance Exam: The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) general test is required.

Additional Information:
Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling
American Board of Genetic Counseling
American Society of Human Genetics
National Society of Genetic Counselors

Dean Darrin Smith, Ph.D.

Contact

Darrin Smith, Ph.D., Professor; Dean of the College of Science and Health
P: 816-501-3655 / E: darrin.smith

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