An entry-level genetic counselor must demonstrate the practice-based competencies listed below to manage a genetic counseling case before, during, and after the clinic visit or session. Therefore, the didactic and clinical training components of a curriculum must support the development of competencies that are categorized into the following domains: Communication Skills; Critical-Thinking Skills; Interpersonal, Counseling, and Psychosocial Assessment Skills; and Professional Ethics and Values. Some competencies may pertain to more than one domain. These domains represent practice areas that define activities of a genetic counselor. The italicized facet below each competency elaborates on skills necessary for achievement of each competency. These elaborations should assist program faculty in curriculum planning, development, and program and student evaluation.
Download the ABGC Practice Based Competencies in pdf format.