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NHS STP 2020 Genomic Counselling

Hello all!

I’m wondering if there is anyone else out there who is applying for the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP) for Genomic Counselling?

Who are you and where are you from? What sort of education/experience do you have?

I’m based in Yorkshire, and have a BSc (Hons) in Medical Sciences from 2010 (2:2 - containing one module on ‘Inherited Disorders’ which I scored 65); a PGDip in Psychotherapy and Counselling from 2016 (Pass with Merit); and an MSc in Psychology from 2017 (Pass with Distinction).

I qualified as a counsellor/psychotherapist in 2016, and did my placement hours at a college counselling service (two academic years). I volunteered as a counsellor/psychotherapist one day a week with a charity for 1.5 years, took time off to have my second child, then have been working as a paid counsellor in an abortion clinic 2 days a week since the end of last year, and opened a private practice seeing a maximum of 5 clients a week in April (I also chose to teach myself how to draw genograms to help identify patterns of relating in families, as well as mental health issues and other things such as alcoholism).

I spent 6 months working in a fertility clinic many years ago (and although I was in administration I was able to observe consultations, tests, and procedures as at the time I was applying for medicine), and have experience of genetics services as a patient due to being in a cancer family history clinic, and having to undergo prenatal genetic testing with my second (this is, strangely, what sparked an interest in genetics again - as I did enjoy it at Uni).

I’m thinking of attending the STP open day in Oxford if I can get it off work, is anyone else thinking of going?

Tell me all about yourselves - let’s support each other through the process! :smile:

V
(edited 4 years ago)

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Hi, I am looking to apply for the 2020 entry, it seems like you HVe loads of experience which is amazing!
I was wondering where you found the information about next years open days! I can’t seem to find much info about next years entry
Hi, I came to this thread to see what kind of experience other people had who are applying for the STP Genomic Counselling 2020 entry but it seems that there haven't been that many replies yet.
I'd like to share the experience I have since I'm applying this year.
I have just started my final year studying BSc Genetics at University of Leeds and I'm expecting to get a 2:1.

I have volunteered on the intermediate care ward of a hospital keeping patients company etc. once to twice a week for a few months whilst at college. Since being at university, the first couple of years, I have had small part time jobs working in a supermarket and on a bar and other temporary jobs here and there, including one as a paid actor at a halloween scare attraction.

This summer, I did a full time 8 week placement at Martin House Childrens Hospice where I was mainly a personal care assistant for children and young people living with life-limiting inherited conditions. I was also an all round helping hand, whether it be making drinks and having a chat with parents, playing with siblings or keeping the unwell young people company.
Since starting my 3rd year, I have enrolled on an introduction to counselling skills course and also applied to be a volunteer 'Nightline' phone operator (which is a service that my University offer for struggling students who need a chat).

I have read that they require a minimum of 6 months full-time work in a caring role (of which I have 2 months) and I have been told by my friend that very rarely do people who have just this minimum amount get in.

I will be applying this year just in case but I am not expecting to get in first time with the experience I have and if unsuccessful, I will spend the following year gathering as much relevant experience as possible.

So that's my position, I'd love to hear the experience that some of the other applicants have for the 2020 entry.

p.s. I am only 20 and I believe that the majority of applicants are nurses/care staff/trained counsellors with years and years of relevant experience. Therefore I am being realistic about my chances but keeping my options open.
Reply 3
Hey!

Quite happy I found this thread as I'm going to be starting my journey to (hopefully) being a genetic Counsellor.
I have very minimal experience right now, have just finished uni this summer with a 1st in Biology (Warwick) inc 2 genetics modules and gone straight into work in pharmaceutical Management consultancy as I did an internship there last year and have kind of fallen into this route. I don't think its for me and I've always wanted to go into something in genetics and this career just seems to be my perfect fit really.

I'm going to apply to the STP for 2020 just so i can get used to the process etc but 100% expecting a rejection which is all fine, in the mean time I'm volunteering 2 hours a week as a phone helpline Counsellor to boost some experience and hopefully get onto a counselling short course night school thing. Also applying to the Cardiff MSc (again most likely going to be rejected which is ok will just use this for next year!) I'd love to get some ideas of the experience everyone has as if I don't get in this year my current plan is to stay in my job until Sept, do a masters (imperial or Cambridge hopefully) in Genomic Medicine and get more care experience while at uni to reapply for 2021!
(edited 4 years ago)
Reply 4
Original post by phoebeb123
Hi, I am looking to apply for the 2020 entry, it seems like you HVe loads of experience which is amazing!
I was wondering where you found the information about next years open days! I can’t seem to find much info about next years entry


Hi phoebe!

I honestly can’t remember, I found it by accident in the ‘events’ section on the STP website, I think?

I haven’t booked my place as I need to wait and see if my daughter is having surgery first, so if I go it will be last-minute!
Reply 5
Original post by Genetics Stud
Hi, I came to this thread to see what kind of experience other people had who are applying for the STP Genomic Counselling 2020 entry but it seems that there haven't been that many replies yet.
I'd like to share the experience I have since I'm applying this year.
I have just started my final year studying BSc Genetics at University of Leeds and I'm expecting to get a 2:1.

I have volunteered on the intermediate care ward of a hospital keeping patients company etc. once to twice a week for a few months whilst at college. Since being at university, the first couple of years, I have had small part time jobs working in a supermarket and on a bar and other temporary jobs here and there, including one as a paid actor at a halloween scare attraction.

This summer, I did a full time 8 week placement at Martin House Childrens Hospice where I was mainly a personal care assistant for children and young people living with life-limiting inherited conditions. I was also an all round helping hand, whether it be making drinks and having a chat with parents, playing with siblings or keeping the unwell young people company.
Since starting my 3rd year, I have enrolled on an introduction to counselling skills course and also applied to be a volunteer 'Nightline' phone operator (which is a service that my University offer for struggling students who need a chat).

I have read that they require a minimum of 6 months full-time work in a caring role (of which I have 2 months) and I have been told by my friend that very rarely do people who have just this minimum amount get in.

I will be applying this year just in case but I am not expecting to get in first time with the experience I have and if unsuccessful, I will spend the following year gathering as much relevant experience as possible.

So that's my position, I'd love to hear the experience that some of the other applicants have for the 2020 entry.

p.s. I am only 20 and I believe that the majority of applicants are nurses/care staff/trained counsellors with years and years of relevant experience. Therefore I am being realistic about my chances but keeping my options open.


Hi!

Best of luck with your application! (And nice to see a fellow Leeds person here!)

I’ve also heard that they do like to have more than the minimum of 6 months full-time in a caring role. But it sounds like you’ve made a good start! Having the counselling skills course under your belt is good too (and as long as it’s face-to-face that’s great too - don’t fall into the trap with online courses with counselling as they aren’t worth the paper they are written on!) Definitely keep trying to add to your experience :smile:

I’m 30 and started my counselling training in 2013 (college) then 2014 (postgraduate) and qualified in 2016, so I’m hoping that looks good for them... I haven’t worked full-time as a counsellor, mind.
Reply 6
Original post by -sophia-
Hey!

Quite happy I found this thread as I'm going to be starting my journey to (hopefully) being a genetic Counsellor.
I have very minimal experience right now, have just finished uni this summer with a 1st in Biology (Warwick) inc 2 genetics modules and gone straight into work in pharmaceutical Management consultancy as I did an internship there last year and have kind of fallen into this route. I don't think its for me and I've always wanted to go into something in genetics and this career just seems to be my perfect fit really.

I'm going to apply to the STP for 2020 just so i can get used to the process etc but 100% expecting a rejection which is all fine, in the mean time I'm volunteering 2 hours a week as a phone helpline Counsellor to boost some experience and hopefully get onto a counselling short course night school thing. Also applying to the Cardiff MSc (again most likely going to be rejected which is ok will just use this for next year!) I'd love to get some ideas of the experience everyone has as if I don't get in this year my current plan is to stay in my job until Sept, do a masters (imperial or Cambridge hopefully) in Genomic Medicine and get more care experience while at uni to reapply for 2021!


Hi!

Definitely keep trying to add to your experience, and see if you can get a face to face counselling course under your belt :smile:

I do hear it’s horrendously competitive so I’m not massively hopeful myself, but all we can do is try, and familiarise ourselves with the process for if we are unsuccessful and trying again :smile:

I wonder if we can get feedback on our applications if we are unsuccessful?
Original post by vixiepoo
Hi!

Best of luck with your application! (And nice to see a fellow Leeds person here!)

I’ve also heard that they do like to have more than the minimum of 6 months full-time in a caring role. But it sounds like you’ve made a good start! Having the counselling skills course under your belt is good too (and as long as it’s face-to-face that’s great too - don’t fall into the trap with online courses with counselling as they aren’t worth the paper they are written on!) Definitely keep trying to add to your experience :smile:

I’m 30 and started my counselling training in 2013 (college) then 2014 (postgraduate) and qualified in 2016, so I’m hoping that looks good for them... I haven’t worked full-time as a counsellor, mind.


Thank you so much. It is a face-to-face course and it is very out of my comfort zone at the minute but I'm sticking at it as I'm 95% sure this is the career I want - can only really learn with experience I guess!

Thank you for starting this thread, I can see it being very useful for a lot of people applying in January (I think it's January).

All the best for your daughter too I hope she's okay.
Reply 8
Hello everyone!
New year, new thread! Been thinking to apply for this for some time so I'm giving it ago in Jan.
I am currently working in a NHS lab as an immunoassay scientist, I have also completed an 8-week mini-project in a reproductive genetics lab funded by the genetics society. I graduated in Biology with a 1st from the University of Kent. I worked as a bank healthcare assistant in Jersey for around 3 years which I kinda miss now that I am in the lab all day! This involved working in various wards specialising in rehabilitation, mental health, critical care and palliative care.
This year I began volunteering at a deaf centre, undertook a BSL introduction course and I'm ALMOST finished an introduction to counselling course.
The real tricky part comes with writing the application though :s-smilie:
Best of luck with all your applications guys!
Dooea anyone know when the applications get released?
Reply 10
Original post by Genetics Stud
Dooea anyone know when the applications get released?


Thanks for your well wishes in your previous reply :smile:

I think it’s January! No actual date yet as far as I am aware. But we can start adding in information on our Oriel profiles before then (employment history, personal details etc)
Reply 11
Original post by JersMatt
Hello everyone!
New year, new thread! Been thinking to apply for this for some time so I'm giving it ago in Jan.
I am currently working in a NHS lab as an immunoassay scientist, I have also completed an 8-week mini-project in a reproductive genetics lab funded by the genetics society. I graduated in Biology with a 1st from the University of Kent. I worked as a bank healthcare assistant in Jersey for around 3 years which I kinda miss now that I am in the lab all day! This involved working in various wards specialising in rehabilitation, mental health, critical care and palliative care.
This year I began volunteering at a deaf centre, undertook a BSL introduction course and I'm ALMOST finished an introduction to counselling course.
The real tricky part comes with writing the application though :s-smilie:
Best of luck with all your applications guys!


Welcome to the thread!

Volunteering at a deaf centre is a fantastic achievement, it’s one of my goals to learn BSL!
Reply 12
I tried one of the aptitude tests today for the first time in a long time... big fail on numerical reasoning! My logical reasoning seemed to be fine. I’d better get some revision in...
Reply 13
Hi,I will apply to it in Jan too.I have a Biology degree (2:1) from University of Bristol and am coming towards the end of my Masters by research (MRes) at Bristol too. My research has been genome assembly and analysis of a blood parasite, using both lab based and computational methods...so hopefully that'll be useful!I did a paid lab based molecular parasitology summer project during my degree too.I have been volunteering in a hospital weekly for 6 months, on a dementia ward.Oh and I am a teacher to undergraduate students in practical classes. I guess that kind of helps as the job would involve teaching people about molecular stuff..The science part is definitely my strength. If I don't get a place I think I'll need more experience working with people! Maybe I'll then just get a job and do more volunteering at the hospital, then apply again for the year after...Any suggestions for getting experience with counselling?Great to read all your posts. Good luck 😊
Hi everyone,
Good luck with all applications when the time comes. From reading the past threads it sounds like such an emotionally draining time trying to get on the course but worth it in the long run.
I’ve wanted to apply for genomic counselling for the last two years but had back to back pregnancies instead :smile: so hoping now is my time but like others have said I doubt I will get on first time.
My experience is 6 Year’s as a qualified nurse (got a 1st in my degree) caring for patients emotional needs as well as physical. I did care support work for the three years during my training and I am also doing a short course in human genetics to try aid the scientific side. I also have a daughter with a genetic condition which was a random mutation during conception so have personal experience with dealing with genetic counsellors and geneticists (some good some bad unfortunately).
Anyway will def be following this thread to see how you’re all getting on. I’m from Sheffield as well so would be requesting Yorkshire Lancashire regions is possible but again that’s being a bit optimistic really.
Naomi.x.x.
Hi everyone,
I was lucky enough to get into the STP Genomics Counselling course this year, if anyone has any specific questions, feel free to message me!
I think the best advice i can give you all for the application, is to print out the job description and make sure you hit all of the points on there. It took me a long time to condense everything i wanted to say, so it's great that you are starting now, i think that's when i started mine!
I believe Guys are running a GC taster day on 25.11.19 if anyone is interested, i think there is a fee though.
Good luck everyone!
Hi everyone! Also planning to apply for 2020 entry! I’m currently studying my BSc in Molecular Biology and Genetics. I’ve been the primary carer for my grandmother for 3 years, volunteered in a counselling centre for 2 and managed a cocktail bar for a year! Hoping this along with my coding experience and bioinformatics research project will be enough to land me an interview! Been following these threads for years so finally excited to be a part of the process.

Is anyone else in a similar position in regards to their care experience being personal rather than employed/voluntary work? Can’t seem to find any info on how they view that.

We got this! 🙌
Hello everyone, I am a nurse ( I got a 2:1) with three years of experience I have completed a couple of masters modules in introduction to genetics and genetic counseling. I was also fortunate enough to shadow a genetic counselor for a day. I have applied the last couple of years, last year I failed the maths aptitude test, which was frustrating. I am looking to improve my maths competencies. Does anyone have any advice on how best to practice? I have completed the practice test that they advise.
Hi!

I am in my final year of Biomedical Science and I am looking to apply this year. I am freaking out a bit slightly as I don't have too much experience (nowhere near the amounts you all have) but I have done a counselling course along side my studies, work on a student support app for the uni and am on executive committee for rowing so I'm HOPING I can beef them up a bit in my application. Sadly I was meant to do some extra care volunteering but they have fallen through and I'm now trying to focus on my studies! So I am a bit worried that this year may just be a practice year!! How have you all practiced for the tests?

Phoebe :smile:
Hi, I’m a 1st year GC trainee and I would like to let you all know about a GC information day we are holding in Leeds. Apologies for the short notice but it is this Thursday Afternoon (5th Dec) at Chapel Allerton Hospital. We will be discussing; A day in the life of a GC, top tips for the application process and some case studies. If you are interested in attending, please direct message me with your email address and I will send you full details.

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