Licensure

With increasing complexities around specialization in genetics, technological developments in genetic testing and reproductive medicine, as well as availability of direct-to-consumer and Internet based genetic testing, the need for consumers to be able to identify appropriately qualified genetic service providers has become increasingly important.

In recent years, more than half the states in the US have implemented licensure for genetic counselors, including Idaho.  Many more are in process.  Licensure has resulted in a formalized regulatory structure for ensuring the protection of the public and quality of service, minimum qualifications are met, professional accountability and recourse, as well as for increasing access to qualified genetic counseling services in these states.

Graduates of the Boise State Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program will be eligible to sit for the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC)  certification exam administered twice per year. Certification, while not required everywhere, is one of the requirements to apply for a license in all states with licensing laws NSGC States Issuing Licenses for Genetic Counselors.

Each state’s defined regulatory body determines the requirements for Genetic Counseling licensure, and it is important to become familiar with the requirements for the state in which a graduate expects to become licensed and practice. Information regarding each state’s licensure process can be accessed through NSGC. In Idaho, licensure is administered by the Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses Genetic Counselors Licensing Board.

Due to the variability in state requirements, Boise State University cannot guarantee that our MSGC online program will fulfill all requirements in the state graduates plan to practice. It is the graduate’s responsibility to seek guidance from the applicable genetic counseling board to understand individual licensure requirements. Boise State University’s genetic counseling degree is designed to meet the ABGC certification candidacy requirements.