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Pediatric genetic counselor education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become a pediatric genetic counselor. Pediatric genetic counselors usually study biology, psychology, or business. 68% of pediatric genetic counselors hold a bachelor's degree, and 32% hold an master's degree. We analyzed 32 real pediatric genetic counselor resumes to see exactly what pediatric genetic counselor education sections show.

The most common colleges for pediatric genetic counselors are the University of Utah and the University of Utah.

There are also many online pediatric genetic counselor courses to help get the education required to be a pediatric genetic counselor.

What education do you need to become a pediatric genetic counselor?

What degree do you need to be a pediatric genetic counselor?

  • Bachelor's, 68%
  • Master's, 32%

What should I major in to become a pediatric genetic counselor?

You should major in biology to become a pediatric genetic counselor. 8% of pediatric genetic counselors major in biology. Other common majors for a pediatric genetic counselor include psychology and business.

Most common colleges for pediatric genetic counselors

Pediatric genetic counselors often get their degrees at University of Utah, The University of Alabama, and Clarion University of Pennsylvania. Here are the most common colleges for pediatric genetic counselors in the US based on their resumes.
Pediatric genetic counselor common collegePercentages
University of Utah9.09%
The University of Alabama9.09%
Clarion University of Pennsylvania4.55%
Hobart & William Smith Colleges4.55%
Immaculata University4.55%

Best majors for pediatric genetic counselors

RankMajorPercentages
1Biology7.7%
2Psychology7.7%
3Business7.7%
4Mental Health Counseling7.7%
5Criminal Justice7.7%

Best colleges for pediatric genetic counselors

The best colleges for pediatric genetic counselors are Johns Hopkins University, Duke University, and Northwestern University.

A pediatric genetic counselor with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for pediatric genetic counselors. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become pediatric genetic counselors.

1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC • Private

In-state tuition

$8,987

Enrollment

18,946

2. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$56,225

Enrollment

19,548

3. University of Washington

Seattle, WA • Private

In-state tuition

$11,207

Enrollment

30,905

4. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • Private

In-state tuition

$53,740

Enrollment

5,567

5. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI • Private

In-state tuition

$15,262

Enrollment

30,079

6. Duke University

Durham, NC • Private

In-state tuition

$55,695

Enrollment

6,596

7. SUNY Stony Brook

Stony Brook, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$9,625

Enrollment

17,407

8. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$53,948

Enrollment

17,238

9. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN • Private

In-state tuition

$14,760

Enrollment

31,451

10. Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$50,420

Enrollment

7,582

20 best online courses for pediatric genetic counselors

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1. The Little Stuff: Energy, Cells, and Genetics

coursera

In this course, we will explore the smaller side of biology: molecular biology. We’ll cover basic topics including cell biology and how cells can go “rogue” and turn into cancer, how energy from the sun is transferred to fuel our bodies, basics of genetics and inheritance, and genetic technologies. At the end of this course, we will discuss ethical and moral implications of several exciting and new genetic technologies...

2. Introduction to Genetics and Evolution

coursera

Introduction to Genetics and Evolution is a college-level class being offered simultaneously to new students at Duke University. The course gives interested people a very basic overview of some principles behind these very fundamental areas of biology. We often hear about new "genome sequences," commercial kits that can tell you about your ancestry (including pre-human) from your DNA or disease predispositions, debates about the truth of evolution, why animals behave the way they do, and how...

3. Machine Learning Optimization Using Genetic Algorithm

udemy
4.1
(341)

Learn how to optimize Machine Learning algorithms' performances and apply feature selection using Genetic Algorithm...

4. Crisis Intervention Seminar

udemy
4.4
(634)

The emphasis is on the development of fundamental clinical skills in the area of crisis intervention...

5. Classical papers in molecular genetics

coursera

You have all heard about the DNA double helix and genes. Many of you know that mutations occur randomly, that the DNA sequence is read by successive groups of three bases (the codons), that many genes encode enzymes, and that gene expression can be regulated. These concepts were proposed on the basis of astute genetic experiments, as well as often on biochemical results. The original articles were these concepts appeared are however not frequently part of the normal curriculum of biologists,...

6. Emergency Care: Pregnancy, Infants, and Children

coursera

Welcome to the final course of lectures in your quest to master EMT basics. In this course, we will cover some of the highest-stress patient populations: pregnant patients and kids, also known as pediatrics. To wrap up your EMT knowledge we will end this course with information about hazmat situations, extricating patients from tight spots and finally how you write a note about your patient care. You will learn to ensure it communicates what your assessment of the patient was, what...

7. Providing Trauma-Informed Care

udemy
4.7
(1,276)

Exploring psychological trauma and how to provide care and compassion to trauma survivors...

8. A Beginner's Guide To Machine Learning with Unity

udemy
4.4
(1,948)

Advanced games AI with genetic algorithms, neural networks & Q-learning in C# and Tensorflow for Unity...

9. Case Studies in Personalized Medicine

coursera

Learn how advances in biomedicine hold the potential to revolutionize drug development, drug treatments, and disease prevention: where are we now, and what does the future hold? This course will present short primers in genetics and mechanisms underlying variability in drug responses. A series of case studies will be used to illustrate principles of how genetics are being brought to bear on refining diagnoses and on personalizing treatment in rare and common diseases. The ethical and...

10. Health Care Delivery in Healthcare Organizations

coursera

Have you ever needed health care and thought that there must be better ways to get or deliver health care? For example, have you found yourself thinking that there should be a way to get a diagnostic test or treatment at home? Or do you work in a healthcare organization and find yourself thinking that there must be better ways to deliver health care? If you have, this course is for you. Course content includes an overview of health care delivery including healthcare consumerism, the patient's...

11. Health & Safety Risk Assessment

udemy
4.4
(545)

Learn how to conduct a complete risk assessment in your workplace...

12. Biotechnology: Antibodies & their role in Therapeutics

udemy
4.5
(260)

Learn about Antibodies: Their Structure, Types, Functions and Role in Therapeutics & Diagnostics Immunology Biology...

13. Prehospital care of acute stroke and patient selection for endovascular treatment using the RACE scale

coursera

Acute stroke is a time-dependent medical emergency. In acute ischemic stroke, the first objective is to restore brain flow using sistemic thrombolytic treatment and, in patients with large vessel occlusion, by endovascular treatment. In hemorrhagic stroke there are also specific treatments that can improve the clinical outcome. The sooner the initiation of all these therapies the higher the clinical benefit. Thus, the organization of Stroke Code systems coordinated between emergency medical...

14. Health Care IT: Challenges and Opportunities

coursera

A strong argument can be made that the health care field is one of the most information-intensive sectors in the U.S. economy and avoidance of the rapid advances in information technology is no longer an option. Consequently, the study of health care information technology and systems has become central to health care delivery effectiveness. This course covers the modern application of information technology that is critical to supporting the vision and operational knowledge of the health care...

15. Addiction Treatment: Clinical Skills for Healthcare Providers

coursera

This course is designed with a singular goal: to improve the care you provide to your patients with substance use disorders. By delving into a model case performed by actors, seven Yale instructors from various fields provide techniques to screen your patients for substance use disorder risk, diagnose patients to gauge the severity of their use, directly manage treatment plans, refer out to treatment services, and navigate the various conditions that may limit your patient’s access to treatment...

16. Health for All Through Primary Health Care

coursera

This course explores why primary health care is central for achieving Health for All. It provides examples of how primary health care has been instrumental in approaching this goal in selected populations and how the principles of primary health care can guide future policies and actions. Two of the most inspiring, least understood, and most often derided terms in global health discourse are “Health for All” and “Primary Health Care.” In this course, we will explore these terms in the context...

17. Value-Based Care: Managing Processes to Improve Outcomes

coursera

COURSE 3 of 7. This course is designed to introduce you to critical office-based processes that a value-based practice must manage in the drive towards improved patient outcomes. In Module 2, we’ll focus on office-based and clinical patient-based supporting functions. At every level in healthcare, guidelines, processes, and functions exist to improve outcomes, and following a consistent process will return the best effect. Refine your understanding of value and learn strategies to provide real...

18. The Critical Role of IT Support Staff in Healthcare

coursera

This is a very exciting time to be exploring a career in Health IT Support! In this introductory course, you’ll learn about various roles in IT support that are common in healthcare. IT support staff play critical roles in many different healthcare venues. In addition to helping clinics, hospitals, and emergency rooms, you may end up providing support in a skilled nursing facility, ambulatory surgical center, virtual care setting, or even a patient’s home! On any given day, you may interact...

19. Health After Cancer: Cancer Survivorship for Primary Care

coursera

This course presents basic principles of cancer survivorship to primary-care physicians. Developed by a team of experts in caring for cancer survivors, and narrated by a primary-care physician, this course provides practical tips and tools that can be easily integrated into medical practice. You will learn about the complex physical and psychosocial needs and concerns of the growing number of cancer survivors, along with the key role that primary care physicians have in guiding these patients...

20. Intellectual Property in the Healthcare Industry

coursera

This course begins with an overview of general intellectual property law in the United States, then examines how the policy choices behind those laws shapes the behavior of major players in the healthcare industry. We will examine how patents and trademarks shape the behavior of pharmaceutical companies, and how complex issues involving medical research in university settings, and ownership of genetic information and material, are resolved by intellectual property laws. The course concludes...

Top 10 most affordable universities for pediatric genetic counselors

The most affordable schools for pediatric genetic counselors are University of Florida, hunter college of the city university of new york, and baruch college of the city university of new york.

If the best universities for pediatric genetic counselors are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for pediatric genetic counselors.

1. University of Florida

Gainesville, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,381

Cost of attendance

21,034

2. Hunter College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,182

Cost of attendance

13,998

3. Baruch College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,262

Cost of attendance

14,046

4. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,798

Cost of attendance

18,306

5. University of South Florida

Tampa, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,410

Cost of attendance

20,456

6. California State University - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,749

Cost of attendance

14,823

7. Florida International University

Miami, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,556

Cost of attendance

19,434

8. California State University - Dominguez Hills

Carson, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,942

Cost of attendance

14,469

9. Brooklyn College of the City University of New York

Brooklyn, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,240

Cost of attendance

13,991

10. Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$5,656

Cost of attendance

21,623

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for pediatric genetic counselors

The hardest universities for pediatric genetic counselors to get into are Johns Hopkins University, Duke University, and Northwestern University.

Some great schools for pediatric genetic counselors are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for pediatric genetic counselors based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.

1. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • Private

Admissions rate

11%

SAT average

1,513

2. Duke University

Durham, NC • Private

Admissions rate

9%

SAT average

1,516

3. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,508

4. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

6%

SAT average

1,512

5. Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • Private

Admissions rate

5%

SAT average

1,520

6. Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • Private

Admissions rate

10%

SAT average

1,514

7. Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO • Private

Admissions rate

15%

SAT average

1,506

8. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,492

9. Yale University

New Haven, CT • Private

Admissions rate

6%

SAT average

1,517

10. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions rate

13%

SAT average

1,445

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for pediatric genetic counselors

The easiest schools for pediatric genetic counselors to get into are D'Youville College, notre dame de namur university, and mount saint mary's university.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a pediatric genetic counselor without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for pediatric genetic counselors.

1. D'Youville College

Buffalo, NY • Private

Admissions rate

100%

SAT average

1,072

2. Notre Dame de Namur University

Belmont, CA • Private

Admissions rate

82%

SAT average

983

3. Mount Saint Mary's University

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions rate

84%

SAT average

1,031

4. University of the Incarnate Word

San Antonio, TX • Private

Admissions rate

88%

SAT average

1,044

5. Texas Woman's University

Denton, TX • Private

Admissions rate

87%

SAT average

1,059

6. Felician University

Lodi, NJ • Private

Admissions rate

81%

SAT average

999

7. Barry University

Miami, FL • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,006

8. Kean University

Union, NJ • Private

Admissions rate

86%

SAT average

991

9. Life University

Marietta, GA • Private

Admissions rate

94%

SAT average

979

10. University of Baltimore

Baltimore, MD • Private

Admissions rate

78%

SAT average

1,020

Average pediatric genetic counselor salary by education level

Pediatric genetic counselors with a Master's degree earn more than those without, at $85,728 annually. With a Bachelor's degree, pediatric genetic counselors earn a median annual income of $75,709 compared to $68,429 for pediatric genetic counselors with an Associate degree.
Pediatric genetic counselor education levelPediatric genetic counselor salary
Master's Degree$85,728
Bachelor's Degree$75,709
Some College/ Associate Degree$68,429

Pediatric genetic counselor education FAQs

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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