Genetic Counsellor Training, Certification, and Regulation in Australia and New Zealand

Genetic counsellors are allied health professionals. They combine genetics knowledge with health communication and counselling to support people and families with genetic health conditions. They work in all areas of health, including clinical, research, academic, education, policy, industry and laboratory. While genetic counselling may be part of the role of many different health professionals, trained genetic counsellors have specialist skills in genetic counselling. The HGSA has endorsed the Australasian Society of Genetic Counsellors (ASGC) definitions of genetic counselling as a process and genetic counsellors as a profession here.

A detailed summary about genetic counsellor regulation is available here.

The Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA) Board of Censors for Genetic Counselling (BOC) administers the training, certification, and regulation of genetic counsellors in Australia and New Zealand. Frequently asked questions and more information about the regulatory system can be found here and via the video below. 

Video explaining the regulatory system

 

Genetic Counsellor Regulation

The HGSA BOC for Genetic Counselling is a member of the National Alliance of Self Regulating Health Professions (NASRHP), the national peak body that sets benchmarked standards for self-regulating allied health professions in Australia. Professional regulation helps support the integrity and credibility of health professionals and health services, whilst also protecting the public from harm. The HGSA Australasian Society of Genetic Counsellors are a member of Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA), the peak national organisation for allied health professions in Australia.

 

Like other allied health professions, the genetic counselling profession recognises the need for professional regulation.

Registration through the HGSA is not yet mandatory for genetic counsellors. There is no statutory legislation to protect the title of genetic counsellor, or to protect the public from accessing services from people using this title without qualification, training, or certification as a genetic counsellor.

 

Genetic Counsellors have Specialised Education in Genetics and Counselling

Qualified genetic counsellors have completed specialised training through a Master of Genetic Counselling program. Graduates can apply to use the title ‘Member of the Human Genetics Society of Australasia’ (MHGSA), which recognises that they are qualified to work as genetic counsellors in Australia and New Zealand.
 
All genetic counsellors are expected to participate in continuing professional development (CPD) and supervision. This maintains their knowledge and skills, ensuring they can meet the changing needs of their clients and are up to date with developments in this quickly changing field.
 
Clinically practicing genetic counsellors can complete the training required for FHGSA Clinical Certification in genetic counselling. This assesses knowledge, skills and competency in a clinical role, and successful genetic counsellors can use the title ‘Fellow of the HGSA’ (FHGSA) in genetic counselling.

 

HGSA Register of Genetic Counsellors

The HGSA strongly promotes that genetic counselling should be conducted by appropriately regulated professionals, and publishes an online register of genetic counsellors who meet annual requirements. You can search the Register by name or State to find Registered Counsellors in your area. The HGSA Register of Genetic Counsellors includes:
  • ACTIVE genetic counsellors who are qualified to practice,
  • PROVISIONAL genetic counsellors who are qualified to practice, and undertaking further training specific to clinical practice,
    and
  • REGISTERED genetic counsellors who are qualified to practice, and have achieved FHGSA certification for clinical practice.

 

You can search the Register by name or location to find Registered Counsellors in your area. Click the button below. 

.Register of
Genetic Counsellors

 

If you are a genetic counsellor and wish to be listed, please apply to join the register here. 

If you are looking for contact details for Clinical Genetics Services in your local area, please click here.

Concerns or complaints about the practice of a genetic counsellor can be lodged with the HGSA Professional Concerns and Complaints Committee.

 

Regulation Flowchart