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If you’re interested in applying to genetic counseling graduate programs this admissions cycle, you may want to become familiar with the National Matching Service (NMS) for genetic counseling which is utilized by almost every ACGC accredited program nationwide. Learning how the NMS system functions and tracking critical deadlines are key to a successful genetic counseling program application process.
In 1985, Elliott Peranson and Alvin Roth developed a sophisticated computer-based algorithm that was applied to the medical community as a means for placing physicians into residency programs across the United States. The system was based on the deferred acceptance algorithm but was adapted to accommodate complexities that arise when applying to other programs. The development of this sophisticated algorithm was key to Roth winning the 2012 Nobel Prize for economics.
In 2018, the Association of Genetic Counseling Program Directors (AGCPD) adopted the National Matching Services for Genetic Counseling Admissions Match. The system was implemented to enhance the process of placing prospective students into accredited genetic counseling programs nationwide.
There are six major steps that participating applicants and programs must follow for a successful admissions process:
Prospective genetic counseling program applicants, and participating accredited genetic counseling programs, must both register for the National Matching Service online through the portal. In this year’s 2025 application cycle, the portal already opened for participating programs in July 2024 and will open for prospective applicants on September 4, 2024.
Dates and information can be found here: GC Admissions Match (natmatch.com)
Prospective genetic counseling program applicants must register with the NMS beginning September 4, 2024, but will also apply to their genetic counseling programs of choice independently of the Match. Each program has its own admissions requirements, so candidates should contact each program directly for specific information. A list of NMS participating programs can be found here after September 4, 2024: GC Admissions Match | Participating Programs (natmatch.com)
After applicants have fulfilled their program-specific admissions requirements and completed interviews, they can submit a list of preferred placements based on their rankings. Candidates must submit their ranked program preferences to the NMS by March 26, 2025, at the latest.
For more information, check out the NMS website here: Applicants | Rankings (natmatch.com)
Programs and applicants will submit their rankings to the National Match Service by the specified deadline, enabling the NMS algorithm to work its magic! This is the crucial moment where students and programs are matched with each other, with the results being revealed on Match Day!
The fifth step is one of the most exciting parts of the entire process! Known as “Match Day,” this event is eagerly anticipated by both candidates and programs. On April 16, 2025, for this admissions cycle, candidates and programs will receive emails with their match results. Genetic counseling programs will get a list of their matched cohort members, while candidates will find out which school they have been matched with!
While many applicants will successfully match with genetic counseling programs, some qualified candidates may not. Genetic counseling programs collaborate to ensure as many qualified candidates as possible are admitted each year. Starting at 12:00 PM Eastern Time on April 16, 2025, programs with available positions can fill these vacancies through the post-match process. Programs will have access to information on unmatched applicants via the NMS Match System and may invite interested candidates to complete an application, submit materials, and attend an interview. The post-match process concludes on May 31, 2025.
Is it mandatory for genetic counseling programs to register with the National Match Service?
No, it is not mandatory for genetic counseling programs to participate with the National Match Service. However, if a program would like to participate in the NMS for that respective match cycle, they will need to register with the NMS service by the published deadline. Southern California University of Health Sciences has been invited to participate in the National Matching Service for genetic counseling program this year and will be listed on the NMS website.
Where do I find a schedule of dates for the National Match Service for genetic counseling programs?
Important dates and deadlines for the National Matching Service are published online and can be referenced here: GC Admissions Match | Schedule (natmatch.com)
As a prospective genetic counseling program candidate, do I have to register with the National Match Service?
Yes, if you are applying to genetic counseling graduate programs participating in the National Match Service then you must register with the NMS to participate in the admissions cycle matching process.
Is there financial assistance available for the National Match Service fee?
Yes, a Match Fee Waiver program is available for a limited number of fee waivers. Please go to the National Match Service website for more information on how to obtain access to the fee waiver program: Applicants | Register (natmatch.com)
Where do I find a list of genetic counseling programs participating in the National Match Service?
A list of participating genetic counseling programs will be available on the NMS website beginning September 4, 2024. Candidates will have access to the programs that are participating in the process and the list is updated regularly. Website here: GC Admissions Match | Participating Programs (natmatch.com)
If I rank a genetic counseling program as my #1 choice in the NMS ranking submission, am I guaranteed admission to that program?
No. Candidates will have the opportunity to rank their programs in order of preference. Genetic counseling programs will also have that same opportunity as well. If the algorithm determines that the candidate and program are not a match, then there is no guarantee of admission.
Why do most genetic counseling programs participate in the Match process?
Most genetic counseling graduate programs participate in the Match process because it has proven to be an effective process for allowing programs and applicants to evaluate each other fully before determining preferences. There is no pressure to make premature decisions based on incomplete information, and it eliminates unfair behavior that occurs in many typical recruitment processes. The Match process is governed by the Genetic Counselor Educators Association (GCEA), which is responsible for setting the Rules of Participation and for monitoring its implementation.
Apply for SCU’s MSGC Program
Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) has an accredited genetic counseling program, which consists of a combination of online coursework, field work practicum, and culminates with a capstone project. The vision of the program is to prepare graduates to be leaders among healthcare professionals including genetic counselors. Additionally, SCU’s desire is for genetic counselors to care for the entire family with evidence-based medicine integrated and holistic healthcare that accounts for not only the pregnancy journey, but also preventative care, stress reduction, and overall wellbeing. For those who are curious about genetic counseling as a rewarding and exciting career, visit our program page. For those who are ready to begin their journey to become a Genetic Counselor, apply for SCU’s MSGC program.