General | Applications | Continuing Education
General
- What do genetic counselors do?
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Genetic counselors provide information on medical genetics and counsel individuals and families on genetic disorders.
- What is the practice of genetic counseling?
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Genetic counselors work with other healthcare professionals to inform and support people who have an inherited risk for genetic disorders, people diagnosed with genetic diseases, and the families of children born with birth defects.
- How can I be involved and stay informed?
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To get important information about genetic counselors, subscribe for updates at the bottom of the page.
Application
- How much is the application fee?
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The application fee is posted on the licensing information webpage.
- How long does the application process take?
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The required documentation may take several weeks to receive. Routine applications may be issued within two weeks or 14 days following receipt of all required information. Applications requiring additional background information or review may take longer.
- What is the process for verifying my Washington genetic counselor license to another jurisdiction?
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Submit a written request and a check or money order along with the certification of licensure fee made payable to:
Department of Health
Genetic Counselor Program
P.O. Box 1099
Olympia, WA 98507-1099 - How much is my renewal fee?
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Fee information is located on the genetic counselors licensing webpage.
You must renew on or before your birthday; if you renew after your birth date, you must pay the renewal fee plus the late renewal penalty fee. Late penalty fees aren't waived.
- How long does the renewal process take?
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Renewal notices are mailed six to eight weeks before your license expiration date to allow enough time to process. It's important to remit payment immediately to ensure that your license will be delivered on or before your license expiration date. It's against the law to work without a current license. Additional information about our renewal process is available on our website.
- If I have a student-issued transcript, can I send that with my application?
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No. All required documentation must be sent directly from the issuing institution to:
Department of Health
Genetic Counselor Credentialing
P.O. Box 47877
Olympia, WA 98504-7877 - How do personal data questions affect my application?
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A "yes" answer to a personal data question or the existence of a criminal conviction doesn't automatically prohibit the department from issuing a credential. If you answer "yes" on any of the personal data questions or if criminal history appears on a criminal background check, your file will be evaluated on an individual basis. The application now becomes an exception file, and the normal application processing time does not apply.
- Should I apply for a provisional license?
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You may apply for a provisional license if you meet all the requirements for licensure except passing the exam. Persons with a provisional license may practice under supervision. Specific requirements are included in the Genetic Counselor License Application Packet (PDF).
- If I'm licensed in another state, can I begin practicing once you have my application?
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No. You must have a valid Washington genetic counselor license before practicing as a genetic counselor.
- I'm nationally certified, do I need to be licensed in Washington to practice?
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Yes. No person may practice or represent himself or herself as a licensed genetic counselor without first applying for and receiving a license to practice from the department.
Continuing Education
- Where can I find more information about continuing education requirements?
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You can explore continuing education requirements by reviewing the genetic counselor continuing education webpage or the guidelines outlined in WAC 246-825-110.