The Department of Health-supported genetic counsellor training post scheme in England: a unique initiative?

Abstract

Although the professional title 'genetic counsellor' has wide international recognition, formal courses or training programmes in genetic counselling exist in only a small number of countries. In 2002, voluntary registration of genetic counsellors in the UK began under the auspices of the Genetic Counsellor Registration Board. Practitioners are eligible for registration after 2years of genetic counselling practice and prior attainment of either a nursing or midwifery qualification with relevant Bachelor's degree or a Master's degree in genetic counselling. After a government commitment to increase the genetic counsellor workforce, the national professional organisation for genetic counsellors obtained government funding to expand training capacity for genetic counsellors through a training scheme. The Genetic Counsellor Training Post Scheme was designed to ensure that both appropriately qualified nurses and Master's level genetic counselling graduates were offered the opportunity to undertake a 2-year training period prior to registration. The scheme has proved highly successful. Of 43 trainees appointed, 42 went on to work as genetic counsellors, and 36 have already gained their professional registration. Details of this unique scheme including trainee outcomes and experiences are presented. This type of scheme may be appropriate for the development of the genetic counselling profession in other countries.