Genetic Counseling Career

Genetics is the fundamental unit of life. Therefore, understanding genetics is crucial for any healthcare professional or researcher studying human disease. Dr. Heiman’s presentation will provide an overview of the Undergraduate Genetics Major at Rutgers University, detailing its academic structure, research opportunities, and career prospects for graduates. He will discuss the type of student who should consider majoring in genetics. This includes those who plan to pursue a career in healthcare, including physicians, dentists, physician’s assistants, and genetic counselors. It also includes those who are interested in conducting research or analyzing large datasets (i.e., computational genomics and bioinformatics). Not only do all Genetics majors conduct research, but they also learn how to communicate their discoveries via a written article in a peer-reviewed journal, as well as through oral presentations and posters appropriate for scientific meetings. Overall, Dr. Heiman will discuss the significance of genetics education and the diverse career paths available to graduates. One such career path he will emphasize is Genetic Counseling.