Genetic Counseling Graduate Program

The University of Washington Genetic Counseling Graduate Program (GCGP) at the CHDD trains future genetic counselors who will join the workforce that's ushering in the new era of precision health. This program is built on the firm belief that genetic counseling should be available to every person and delivered in an accessible, patient-centered manner. Genetics is a journey that every person approaches from their own unique background and experiences. Genetic counselors must quickly assess where a person is, identify where they need to go and then guide them along the way. This is what makes our profession so rewarding and at the same time so challenging. Through your training in the GCGP, future professionals will acquire the skills and knowledge needed to meet these challenges and reap the rewards of this dynamic profession. Graduates of the Genetic Counseling Graduate Program earn a Master of Science degree from the Division of Medical Genetics in the Department of Medicine. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling.

Ideally located at the CHDD that houses many research and clinics for neurodevelopmental disabilities with genetic etiology. In collaboration with other CHDD clinicians, genetic counseling students will work with individuals and families who are affected by these conditions and help them uncover their diagnosis. Genetics counseling students will rotate through the in-house clinics such as the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Biochemical Genetics, PKU, and Down Syndrome. GCGP students will also be trained to become clinician researchers through their capstone projects, in which students are encouraged collaborate and partner with the LEND program. In addition clinical and research, students will have opportunities to be involved in supplemental activities such as patient advocacy, connecting patients and families to resource.