The NextGen Counseling Education Program
The NextGen Counseling Education Program provides an affordable opportunity for prospective genetic counseling students to gain the knowledge and exposure needed to become successful graduate school applicants and, ultimately, genetic counselors.
About the NextGen Program
The NextGen Counseling Education Program is a 12-week, self-paced online course designed to provide a solid foundation for individuals interested in pursuing a career in genetic counseling. With over 20 hours of content, the course explores key aspects of the profession, offering a comprehensive introduction to the field. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a signed and dated pdf formatted notice of completion, which can strengthen their resumes and highlight their dedication to becoming future genetic counselors.
Course Details
This self-paced program will include ten modules that contain recorded lectures as well as accompanying activities, such as assignments and quizzes to engage learners with the content. Each module takes about 2–3-hours to complete with approximately 1 hour of recorded content and 1-2 hours for readings, discussion posts/assignments/quizzes. Participants will receive a notice of completion once all modules are completed and the course is closed.
*No prerequisites needed (basic biology/genetics knowledge recommended). Internet access needed for weekly modules.
Modules:
Module 1: Basic concepts in genetic counseling
Module 2: Reproductive Genetic Counseling
Module 3: Newborn Screening and Pediatric Genetics
Module 4: Cancer Genetics
Module 5: Law & Ethical Issues in Genetics
Module 6: Psychosocial Counseling Concepts
Module 7: "Genesurance"
Module 8: Testing Technologies and Strategies
Module 9: Lab and Industry and Variant Interpretation
Module 10: Current and Future Trends in Genetics
Important Note
The NextGen Counseling Education program is independent of the UT Southwestern Master of Science in Genetic Counseling Program. Participation in NextGen neither influences the admissions process nor guarantees an interview or acceptance. The program is intended to provide foundational knowledge to enhance participants’ understanding of the field.
After registering and submitting payment (or using an approved voucher), students will receive a welcome email with important details about the course.
Please note that course access in D2L will not appear until the official course start date.
For the most up‑to‑date schedule, please visit the NextGen website to confirm when your specific course begins.