Exploring the Implementation of Non-Traditional / Expanded Training for Genetic Counselors

With over a third of Genetic Counselors working in a Non-Traditional or expanded role, there is no denying that their knowledge and skills are transferable and being increasingly applied to roles outside the clinic. However, as of 2018, the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counselors (ACGC) practice standards require 50 core cases from a clinical setting while placements outside the clinic, such as a laboratory, research studies, or public health settings are considered enhancements, not requirements. Yet, the ACGC also states that “training should reflect current trends in the workplace,” leaving it up to training programs to decide how best to prepare students for the profession. Clinical coordinators from training programs and Hiring Managers for Non-Traditional settings were interviewed to understand their opinions on student training as well as to compare and contrast the opinions of those preparing students to be hired to the expectations of those doing the interviewing and hiring