Resources

Current Member Resources:

Continuing Education Opportunities

CEU Compass helps genetic counselors discover, track, and manage CEUs easily

CEU Compass – Continuing Education for Genetic Counselors

Below you will find various support organizations, some of which are specifically for genetic counselors and/or other healthcare professionals. You will also notice that many of these are oriented towards creating community and support networks. Community plays a vital role in supporting mental health and building resiliency; it has always been important and will always be important.

The list below is by no means comprehensive. If you notice a group or organization that you think should be included, please reach out via email at OAGCcommittees@ohiogenetics.org and we will explore featuring them in the future.

View Here:

NSGC Perspectives: It’s Okay To Say ‘I Can’t Do This’ | Chloe Barnett, MS, LGC (she/her)

National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI)

“Our mission is to provide support, education, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness. Founded in 1983, we are a grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of those impacted by mental health conditions and promoting mental wellness across our state.” – NAMI Ohio https://namiohio.org/

For information specific to healthcare professionals, visit: https://www.nami.org/your-journey/frontline-professionals/health-care-professionals/

The Black Genetic Counseling Student Association (BGCSA)

“We believe in the power of community and the importance of creating a space where Black genetic counseling students can connect, empower each other, and thrive together. Our mission is to provide a supportive environment where you can share your experiences, learn from each other, and access valuable resources to help you succeed in your academic and professional journey. By joining our support group, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to our growing community and shape the activities and events that will benefit you and your peers. Your voice matters, and your presence is valued.”

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdEDiwVlI_nsgVpSK8YJAJ9EuuhhyQAmxbdP_Dm78tR0PuujA/viewform

Equity for Genetic Counseling (E4GC)

Equity4GC is an affinity group for current GC students and recent graduates who identify as racial/ethnic minorities. We offer peer support, resources for rotations/boards/job applications and more! E4GC is an affinity group that aims to build a sense of community and belonging among current students and recent graduates across various genetic counseling programs, support diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice initiatives in the GC profession, and provide a safe space to affirm, support, and celebrate one another.

Contact Info: equitygc@gmail.com

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdfSI6I7AG6MQOnBBUKTvxcHXasMu3wvxclvEz6dSNHmWkALw/viewform?usp=send_form

The Ōnda Collective

Sitting at the heart of science and creativity, The Ōnda Collective is an inspired, evidence-based educational platform for personal growth and well-being. Offering NSGC-approved virtual webinars and in-person genetic counseling retreats for CEUs, The Ōnda Collective creates an invigorating and safe space for you to workshop a range of wellness tools designed to help you reconnect to your purpose, increase your well-being, and create meaningful balance in your personal and professional life. Unlike traditional professional development, The Ōnda Collective’s offerings engage the head, heart, and hands as you begin to unearth what may be holding you back and open the aperture of what is possible in your life and work. These are not just lectures… they are fun and engaging workshops!

https://www.theondacollective.org

NSGConnect

Consider engaging in your community via volunteer work:

Finding a personal therapist

*Please note that inclusion in this list does not indicate official endorsement by OAGC. The information and perspectives reflect the personal opinions of the author(s) and/or organizations and does not reflect the views or opinions of the Ohio Association of Genetic Counselors, OAGC Board Members, or OAGC Committee Members.

Prospective GC’s

Program-Specific Resources: Check individual GC program websites for their unique interview advice
- For programs with MMI interview formats there are a list of sample questions at the bottom of this webpage: https://www.shemmassianconsulting.com/blog/mmi-interview
OAGC Prospective GCs Resources: https://ohiogenetics.org/prospective-gcs/
NSGC Resources:
- https://studentfair.nsgc.org/genetic_counseling_career_resources/
- https://www.nsgc.org/BecomeaGC
Prospective GC Guidance Program (iWANTTOBEAGC)
- https://www.iwanttobeagc.com/removed-pages/interview-tips
- https://www.iwanttobeagc.com/applicant-resources/additional-resources
Utilizing Career Center @ Undergraduate Institution for general mock-interview skills
DNA Today Podcast: Excellent for current events in genetics and application/interview advice.

Additional Questions:

What is Genetic Counseling?

Genetic counseling is the process of helping people understand and adapt to the medical, psychological, and familial implications of genetic contributions to disease. This process integrates:

Interpretation of family and medical histories to assess the chance of disease occurrence or recurrence.
Education about inheritance, testing, management, prevention, resources, and research.
Counseling to promote informed choices and adaptation to the risk or condition.

National Society of Genetic Counselors, 2005

How Do You Become a Genetic Counselor?

A genetic counselor is a trained healthcare professional who completes a Master’s degree in Genetic Counseling (or an equivalent degree) and is certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling. There are over 40 accredited Genetic Counseling Graduate Programs in the United States and Canada.

Ohio is the proud home of three genetic counseling training programs:

Case Western Reserve University | Cleveland, Ohio

The Ohio State University | Columbus, Ohio

University of Cincinnati & Cincinnati Children’s | Cincinnati, Ohio

For a complete list of programs, visit ACGC Program Directory. Each program may have different prerequisites for admission and a unique training format so we encourage you to check out their websites and reach out to the programs directly for additional information or questions!

For additional information regarding becoming a genetic counselor, please visit the NSGC Website.

Shadowing Opportunities

Shadowing a genetic counselor is a great way to learn more about the profession and determine if it is the right career for you! Having a shadowing experience is also an important part of the application process for Genetic Counseling programs. If you are interested in shadowing a genetic counselor you can Find A Genetic Counselor in your area or reach out to a graduate program for contacts. Some hospital systems/employers may have prerequisites that need to be fulfilled prior to shadowing at the institution.

Additional Resources

National Society of Genetic Counselors

The National Society of Genetic Counselors Student/New Member Special Interest Group compiled resources to help interested individuals learn about and prepare for genetic counseling training programs. Topics range from general information about genetic counseling, the application and interview process, frequently asked questions and much more. Check out this great collection of resources.

Genetic Counseling Experience Initiative

The Genetic Counseling Experience Initiative (GCEI) aims to increase exposure to genetic counseling by facilitating meaningful interactions with genetic counselors & prospective students. This includes virtual journal clubs and case series presentations. Follow along with GCEI in many platforms to see what they are presenting next.

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