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.
2026 Course Offerings
| Cohort | Registration Opens | Registration Closes | Program Start | Program End | Completion Notices By |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | March 25 | May 25 | June 1 | August 24 | September 7 |
| Fall | June 17 | August 17 | August 24 | November 16 | November 30 |
Course Details
- Structure
10 modules with recorded lectures, readings, activities, and quizzes.
Participants will have 12 weeks to complete all 10 modules.
- Format
Online via D2L Brightspace
- Time Commitment
2-3 hours per week (~1 hour of recorded content, plus readings and activities)
- Language
English
- No Prerequisites Needed
Basic biology/genetics knowledge recommended
- Weekly Modules
Internet access needed for weekly 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
Registration and Cost
Registration link is only accessible outside the UT Network.
- Registration Fee: $250
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.
Questions? Please UTSWGCP@utsouthwestern.edu us.
Start your journey to becoming a genetic counselor today!
