The Johns Hopkins University/National Human Genome Research Institute Genetic Counseling Training Program

Admissions

Overview

An applicant's potential to become a skilled, compassionate, and self-aware counselor is an absolute criterion for admission. The greatest consideration will be given to applicants whom we consider best able to advance the profession of genetic counseling through their leadership in research and their interface with the fields of public health, public policy and health education.

An admissions committee, composed of the Executive Committee, reviews the entire application package and considers the overall balance of each applicant's qualifications.

Requirements

• Completion of the General Aptitude Test of the GRE.
• Completion of undergraduate level courses in biochemistry and genetics.
• Counseling experience, either paid or voluntary.

In addition, prior coursework in statistics is strongly recommended.

The Johns Hopkins School of Public Health requires applicants from countries where English is not the primary, official language to submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores. A minimum TOEFL score of 250 on the computer-based test OR 600 on the paper-based test OR 100 on the Internet-based test is required for admission. The minimum IELTS score is 7. Applicants who have completed an accredited degree program within the United States are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement.

Deadlines

The application deadline is January 3, 2012. Applications received after that date cannot be guaranteed a review.

Invitations for interviews are made in February, with final decisions and offers made on the universal acceptance data agreed upon by all U.S. genetic counseling programs.

Diversity

The JHU/NHGRI Program supports diversification of the genetic counseling profession. A diverse profession leads to a richer professional dialogue and enhances genetic counseling for minority communities. Therefore, candidates from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences are welcomed. We especially encourage candidates from groups currently under-represented in the genetic counseling profession, including people with disabilities, men, and people from ethnic and racial minorities.

How to Apply

You should use the standard application form for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, which is available online.

Additionally, we ask that applicants submit

• Official transcripts from their undergraduate institution(s)
• curriculum vitae or resume.
• Official scores from the GRE exam.
• Three letters of recommendation (at least one of which should be an academic recommendation from an instructor or advisor).
• A personal statement.
• When appropriate, scores from the TOEFL or IELTS exam.

These supporting materials should be mailed to:

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Admissions Office
615 North Wolfe Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21205

Additional Inquiries

Specific inquiries regarding the Program should be addressed to the Director:

Barbara Bowles Biesecker, M.S., Ph.D.
Phone: 301-496-3979
E-mail: barbarab@mail.nih.gov

Or to the Program Coordinator:

Mary Ann Dunevant
Phone: 410-955-2315
E-mail: mdunevan@jhsph.edu

Questions about the application procedure itself should be directed to the Admissions Office.

Bloomberg School of Public Health
The Johns Hopkins University
615 North Wolfe Street, E1002
Baltimore, MD 21205-2179
Phone: 410-955-3543
Fax: 410-955-0464
E-mail: admiss@jhsph.edu

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Last Updated: September 26, 2011