The program curriculum provides diverse training to create genetic counselors who, upon completion of the degree, are ready to serve both today and in the future.
The Wake Forest Genetic Counseling Program curriculum involves:
Our coursework is developed to train genetic counselors for a career in diverse disciplines in clinical and laboratory medicine and assists students in anticipating the future implications of genetics and genomics in medicine. The sample plan of study can be reviewed as a reference.
GENC 701 Introduction to Genetic Counseling: This is a highly practical introduction course to the profession of genetic counseling and skill development for clinical care. Topics include the role of genetic counseling historically and in modern healthcare, the role of various societies associated with the profession, pedigree construction and analysis, discussion of genetics topics with the lay population, and introduction to interviewing skills and elements of the genetic counseling session.
GENC 771/772 Genetic Counseling Seminar: This course helps students develop skills in critically evaluating peer-reviewed literature and exploring current research relevant to genetic counseling. Through alternating sessions of journal club presentations and discussions on psychosocial, ethical, and clinical topics, students engage with both academic and real-world perspectives. First- and second-year students participate together or separately depending on the week’s focus. Course offered Fall I, Spring I, Fall II and Spring II.
ARCH 703 Helping Skills: This course teaches fundamental helping skills such as relationship building, attending to nonverbals, foundational active listening, reflecting, challenging, addressing emotions and goal setting.
GENC 711 Human Genetics for the Genetic Counselor: This course provides an in-depth review of the principles of human genetics including genome structure and function, gene expression, pathogenesis of cytogenetic abnormalities, single-gene disorders, complex disease, gene mapping, and molecular treatment modalities for genetic disease.
GENC 713 Prenatal Genetics: This course provides a comprehensive introduction to prenatal genetic counseling and will explore key topics including prenatal screening and diagnostic testing, teratogenic exposures, ultrasound anomalies, assisted reproductive technologies, and pregnancy experiences. Instruction includes lectures from practicing genetic counselors and guest experts, class discussions and student presentations.
GENC 721 Embryology & Abnormal Fetal Development: This course offers a foundational overview of fetal embryological development from fertilization through neurulation, with emphasis on genetic counseling applications. Topics include normal and abnormal development of key structures, the role of genetic and environmental influences, and prenatal screening and diagnosis. Instruction is delivered through a mix of in-person and online formats, including live virtual sessions and asynchronous learning.
GENC 791 Introduction to Research: A survey of clinical research methods providing instruction on aspects of the research experience and elements of critical literature review. The course is designed to help students develop a research idea, design a research study, and plan for the execution of their capstone study throughout the graduate program.
GENC 742 Medical Genetics I: This course provides an overview of clinical genetic disorders commonly encountered in genetic counseling practice. Students will study a broad range of conditions, including chromosomal abnormalities, congenital anomalies, skeletal dysplasias, neuromuscular and metabolic disorders, and adult-onset conditions. Emphasis is placed on foundational knowledge essential for board preparation and applicable across all genetic counseling specialties.
GENC 718 Clinical Genetic Testing in the 21st Century: This course is designed to give students an in-depth understanding of the process and applicability of clinically available genetic testing, including cytogenetic testing (karyotype, chromosomal microarray, SNP array), molecular genetics (Sanger sequencing, Next generation sequencing, Panel testing, whole exome/genome sequencing), and biochemical testing strategies
GENC 722 Basic Concepts in Cancer Genetic Counseling: This course explores the role of genetic counselors in oncology, emphasizing both foundational knowledge and practical application. Students will examine cancer development, screening, and treatment; hereditary cancer syndromes; pedigree analysis; genetic testing strategies; and psychosocial approaches to cancer counseling. Learning is delivered through lectures, active learning exercises, and collaborative assignments, with skills reinforced during the cancer genetic counseling rotation.
GENC 714 Psychosocial Impact of Genetic Disease: This experiential course builds on foundational counseling skills and focuses on advanced strategies specific to genetic counseling. Students will explore psychosocial impacts of genetic conditions, grief and bereavement, multicultural competence, and professional development through interactive modules, case-based learning, standardized patient encounters, and team-taught sessions.
GENC 784 Simulated Patient Experiences in Genetic Counseling: This experiential course provides students with the opportunity to conduct simulated genetic counseling sessions across a range of clinical indications through the Center for Experiential and Applied Learning (CEAL). Weekly patient encounters are recorded and reviewed, with alternating in-person and written feedback from faculty to support skill development in a structured, supportive environment. Students are expected to incorporate feedback and demonstrate progressive improvement throughout the course. Course offered Spring I and Spring II.
GENC 716 Genes, Environment, & the Developing Human I: This course explores developmental, cognitive, and social processes from conception through childhood, with a focus on families of children with medical conditions. Topics include developmental theories, early life milestones, and the impact of genetic and environmental factors, including health disparities and social determinants of health. Emphasis is placed on culturally competent care and the psychosocial needs of families navigating complex medical challenges.
GENC 717 Genes, Environment & the Developing Human II: A continuation of GENC 716, this course examines development from adolescence through late adulthood, including end-of-life considerations. Students will explore key frameworks related to identity, autonomy, aging, and mortality, with attention to reproductive justice, multicultural competence, and the evolving needs of individuals and families across the lifespan. Clinical application of developmental theory is emphasized throughout.
GENC 705 Professional Issues in Genetic Counseling: This seminar course addresses key professional issues in genetic counseling, including legal and ethical considerations, job search strategies, CV development, billing and reimbursement, “genesurance” counseling, stress management, and self-care. Instruction includes lectures, multimedia presentations, small group discussions, and student-led presentations. Assignments focus on medical documentation, professional development, and self-reflection to support readiness for clinical practice.
GENC 725 Ethics in GC: A discussion-based course providing an overview of the tenets of clinical ethics, with an emphasis on current ethical issues facing genetic counselors. Topics include informed consent, privacy and confidentiality, misattributed parentage, reproductive justice, identity and disability, genetic testing of minors, distributive justice, and reporting of incidental findings.
GENC 743 Medical Genetics II: This course is a continuation of GENC 742, focusing on advanced genetic disorders across multiple organ systems. Topics include metabolic and peroxisomal conditions, neurodegenerative diseases, renal and cardiac disorders, DNA repair defects, skeletal and dermatological syndromes, craniosynostosis, and developmental delay/intellectual disability. The course emphasizes clinical relevance and prepares students for comprehensive genetic counseling practice.
GENC 732 Precision Medicine & the Future of Genomics: This seminar course explores current topics in genetics and genomics, as well as emerging directions in the field of genetic counseling. Through literature review, student presentations, and expert-led instruction, students engage with recent research articles and societal position statements. The hybrid format includes online discussions, synchronous and asynchronous lectures, as well as in-person sessions.
GENC 734 Healthcare Delivery Systems: A discussion-based course reviewing the current status of healthcare systems in the U.S. and internationally, including a review of the healthcare labor force and genetics labor force, the health insurance industry, public health, health policy and regulations, and the financial impact of genetic disease.
The sample plan of study can be reviewed as a reference.
Students will rotate in a variety of clinical settings throughout the state of North Carolina and into neighboring states, including traditional academic medical settings, private practices, laboratories, and telemedicine companies. Wake Forest students will see patients in several different general and specialty clinics during their training. Students enrolled in the Wake Forest program will need a car to travel to multiple off-site clinics.
Travel to off-site clinics may involve expenses related to mileage and/or room and board. Students may need up to an additional estimated $3600 in year 2 of their training. Note: This amount will depend on a variety of factors, including location of rotations, personal circumstances, etc. Students can provide a list of preferred locations for rotations in summer and second year, and the program leadership will consider their preferences in coordinating clinical rotation schedules.
In addition to clinical rotations, the program has leveraged the state-of-the-art Center for Experiential and Applied Learning (CEAL) at Wake Forest. Through CEAL, students will have multiple opportunities to practice and hone their clinical skills using standardized patients. The standardized patients and faculty will provide valuable feedback to students in a risk-free setting to help students become confident, competent genetic counselors.
The capstone requirement for a degree in genetic counseling involves coursework in research and the successful completion of a clinical research study or significant community outreach project. All students will take an Introduction to Research class where they will learn how to carry out a clinical research project and write a scientific manuscript for a peer-reviewed journal.
