Who can participate?

College undergraduates and recent college graduates who are interested in pursuing graduate school for genetic counseling

Schedule

Part I is self-guided and includes the pre-test and several pre-recorded seminars that cover many specialties in genetic counseling as well as some information sessions. You must complete a pre-test prior to accessing the recorded lectures.

Part II consists of webinar meetings for more discussion based topics such as direct-to-consumer genetic testing. Participants are expected to engage in discussions during each webinar session. Part II webinars are offered live in real time only - recordings are not made available for viewing later. These sessions are hosted Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 12-1pm US Central Daylight Time (CDT). 

Following the conclusion of Part II, participants will be asked to complete a post-test and course evaluation. Certificates of completion will be distributed sometime in August 2025.

***Please note that some sessions may be swapped to accommodate counselors' schedules with patients.

A couple of quick items about the program
  • There is no charge to participate in the IIHG Topics in Genetic Counseling Webinar Series
  • The program is only available in real time and sessions will not be available online.
  • Online participants are encouraged to participate in the discussions
  • Most sessions will last 1-hour

An additional education event, Applying to Graduate Programs in Genetic Counseling, is being hosted in July 2025. This event is not considered to be part of the Topics in Genetic Counseling Webinar Series. This will require separate registration.

Topics Covered

Part 1 Topics
  • Reading Journals and Finding Reliable Resources
  • Hearing Loss Genetics
  • Intro to Cancer Genetics
  • Nephrology Genetics
  • Cardiovascular Genetics
  • Neurogenetics
  • Prenatal Genetics
  • Genetic Counseling and Industry

Part 2 Topics
  • Orientation 
  • Taking a Family History
  • Bioinformatics and Laboratory Genetic Counseling
  • Genetic Counseling Skills in Public Policy
  • Cultural Competency and Self-Awareness
  • Genetic Counseling Outside of the United States
  • Ethics in Genetic Counseling
  • Newborn Screening
  • Psychosocial Counseling
  • Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing
  • Spirituality and Genetic Counseling

Registration

Registration for the 2025 Topics in Genetic Counseling Webinar Series will open in March 2025. 

Topics in Genetic Counseling Webinar Series

The purpose of this series is to provide you with exposure to topics in genetic counseling to assist in preparing you for a successful career in genetic counseling.

The series is split into two parts.

  • Part I is self-guided and includes the pre-test and several pre-recorded seminars that cover many specialties in genetic counseling as well as some information sessions. You must complete a pre-test prior to accessing the recorded lectures.
  • Part II consists of live webinars for more discussion based topics such as direct-to-consumer genetic testing. Participants are expected to engage in discussions during each session. Part II webinars are offered live in real time only - recordings are not made available for viewing later. Part II will begin June 9, 2025. Sessions are hosted Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 12-1pm US Central Daylight Time (CDT).  

Participants can receive a Certificate of Completion if the following are completed:

  • Pre-test: The pre-test must be completed to gain access to the rest of the course. The purpose of the pre-test is for us to have an idea of participant baseline knowledge prior to completing the course. You will not receive a score or feedback on your results.
  • Pre-recorded sessions: All recordings must be watched to be eligible for the certificate of completion.
  • Live sessions: 9 of 11 live sessions must be attended to be eligible for the certificate of completion.
  • Post-test: The post-test must be completed at the end of the course to be eligible for the certificate of completion. The purpose of the post-test is for us to evaluate the efficacy of the course. You will not receive a score or feedback on your results.
  • Course evaluation: The course evaluation is due after the post-test is completed. This is required to be eligible for the certificate of completion.