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Why Northwestern?

Why join the Graduate Program in Genetic Counseling at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine? There are many reasons, but here are our top 10:

NM Hospitals

Top Hospital Affiliations

Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern Memorial Hospital and the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago are regularly ranked among the best in the country and state by U.S. News & World Report.

Patient Interaction

Numerous Rotations

We have more than 50 training sites and 100 certified genetic counselors in our area, providing rich and diverse training opportunities. Our students participate in eight rotations, including opportunities in many clinical areas of practice, industry, advocacy and policy, as well as connections for possible rotations abroad. 

Learn about Rotations
students in classroom

Tailored Curriculum

All courses are designed for our students and are coordinated by one or more of our program leadership team in conjunction with genetic counselor faculty experts. The courses incorporate both the medical and psychosocial aspects of genetic counseling and take problem-based learning approaches. We are proud to offer one of the only dual-degree programs available in Genetic Counseling and Medical Humanities and Bioethics.

Learn about our curriculum
thesis presentation

Focus on Research

Research is a primary focus of our program: We were one of the first to require completion of a research project for graduation.

About Our Thesis Project
Feinberg Campus in Summer

Prime Location

Situated in downtown Chicago just steps from Michigan Avenue and Lake Michigan, our program location affords students many cultural and culinary opportunities.

Read about Chicago
program graduates

Dedication to Diversity

We currently admit 20 students per year with diverse backgrounds and experiences. For more on the medical school’s efforts in this area, see the Feinberg’s Diversity & Inclusion site. 

Learn about D&I at Feinberg
GPGC graduate receiving sash

Program Statistics

We have 100 percent job placement, 1 percent attrition, and an over 80 percent board pass rate on the first attempt within the last three graduating classes.

Supplemental activities

Emphasis on Transferable Skills

Beyond clinical training, our program also emphasizes transferring those skills to expanded roles within the genetic counseling profession.

Networking Opportunities

We offer engagement activities with industry representatives, scientists, key opinion leaders and genetics professionals.

Amazing Alumni

Some of our more than 200 graduates have gone on to serve as NSGC president and on the board of directors, have been appointed to national committees and are now industry leaders, research coordinators, recipients of professional awards and accomplished scientific authors.

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