Genetic Counseling Professional Organizations

image of National Society of Genetic Counselor Logo

The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) is described as the leading voice for genetic counselors – an organization incorporated in 1979 as the genetic counseling profession earned its own unique identity and began to grow quickly.

The NSGC promotes the professional interests of genetic counselors and provides a network for professional communications. Access to continuing education opportunities, professional resources, advocacy and the discussion of all issues relevant to human genetics and the genetic counseling profession are an integral part of belonging to the NSGC.

A number of important links can be found at https://www.nsgc.org/about/about-nsgc. Here, you can read more about the history of genetic counseling as a profession, the mission and vision of the NSGC in representing genetic counselors across the country and internationally, and the strategic plan laid out by the NSGC to continue expanding the profession in the years to come.

Another important website is found at: https://www.aboutgeneticcounselors.org/become-a-genetic-counselor/education-and-training

Here, you’ll find links to a list of accredited training programs where you can earn a degree in genetic counseling, as well as other professional organizations related to the GC profession. You can also search for genetic counselors who work near where you live.

ABGC Logo

The American Board of Genetic Counseling, Inc. (ABGC) is a not-for-profit organization incorporated in 1993 for the purpose of certifying and re-certifying genetic counselors.  It is led by an elected Board of Directors comprised of certified genetic counselors and a public advisor.  ABGC defines the professional standards of competence for the genetic counseling profession.  ABGC sets this standard for competence through certification and recertification. A Certified Genetic Counselor or CGC® is an indication of specialized knowledge skills and abilities. The ABGC credential is trademarked and recognized as the gold standard in the healthcare industry.

 

The current number of certified genetic counselors recognized by ABGC is 5,900, and the number of graduate programs has more than doubled since its inception in 1993. Certified genetic counselors continue to integrate counseling services into an increasing number of medical specialties.  ABGC received accreditation of its Certified Genetic Counselor® certification program through the National Commission on Certifying Agencies (NCCA) in 2015. NCCA is the accrediting body of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (formerly the National Organization for Competency Assurance). Since 1977, the NCCA has been accrediting certifying programs based on the highest quality standards in professional certification to ensure the programs adhere to modern standards of practice in the certification industry.

Mission

Establish standards of competence for Certified Genetic Counselors and advance ‎their value as leaders in precision health to safeguard and serve the public.

Core Purpose

Promote high standards in genetic counseling.

Core Values

  • Integrity: Fair and objective decisions, transparency in interactions, and accountable stewardship.
  • Responsiveness: Recognition of, and actions taken based on, emerging needs.
  • Excellence: Delivering high value to the profession through rigorous evaluation standards.
  • Inclusivity: Assessments without bias, respect for all voices, and seeking out diverse perspectives.

To find out more about this organization, please visit:  https://www.abgc.net/

AGCPD Logo

Mission

The mission of the Association of Genetic Counseling Program Directors (AGCPD) is to promote collaboration between genetic counseling program directors to facilitate recruitment, admissions, education, and guidance of genetic counseling students and to nurture new program development.

Vision

The vision of the AGCPD is to enable genetic counseling program directors to anticipate and embrace changes in graduate education and the profession in order to ensure successful recruitment and training of future genetic counselors.
To find out more about this organization, please visit: https://agcpd.org/

Genetic Counseling Reading List

For those interested in the genetic counseling profession, AGCPD has compiled a reading list to assist in providing context and a better understanding of genetics in real-life experiences. In addition, to ensure all genetic counseling students have similar access to a wide array of literature pertaining to the impact of genetic conditions, please see the suggested reading list here

image of ACGC Logo

Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC) is the accreditation board for graduate programs in genetic counseling. ACGC advances quality in genetic counseling education by developing and maintaining standards for educational and clinical training of genetic counseling students and implementing a peer-review process to evaluate programs.

Mission

ACGC advances quality in genetic counseling education by developing standards, and by evaluating and accrediting graduate-level programs.

Vision

ACGC is the leading accrediting body for educational programs in genetic counseling. ACGC supports the development of quality educational programs in genetic counseling by:

  • Providing visionary leadership and excellent communication
  • Working collaboratively
  • Engaging stakeholders in a standard-setting process that proactively considers the impact of new standards and policies
  • Applying the Standards fairly and consistently
  • Collecting and disseminating data that support best practices and quality assessment
  • Permitting flexibility and innovation in programs and curricula
  • Assessing quality based on educational outcomes

To find out more about this organization, please visit:  https://gceducation.org

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image of cagc-accg

Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors

The mission of the CAGC is to promote high standards of practice, encourage professional growth, and increase public awareness of the genetic counselling profession in Canada.

Website: https://www.cagc-accg.ca/

Information for Prospective Students can be found at: https://www.cagc-accg.ca/?page=372

Canadian Board of Genetic Counselling Pamphlet

Video: What is a Genetic Counsellor?

Brochures:

What is a Genetic Counsellor?
https://www.cagc-accg.ca/doc/what%20is%20a%20genetic%20counsellor%20-%20english.pdf (English)
https://www.cagc-accg.ca/doc/what%20is%20a%20genetic%20counsellor%20-%20french.pdf (French)

Interested in a career in genetic counselling?
https://www.cagc-accg.ca/doc/Resources%20for%20Practice/Career%20in%20GC%20-%20ENGLISH.pdf (English)
https://www.cagc-accg.ca/doc/Resources%20for%20Practice/Career%20in%20GC%20-%20FRENCH(2).pdf (French)