STP 2021 entry - (genomic counselling)

Hi,

I would like to apply to the STP 2021 entry.

I just wondered if people have tips, specifically for genomic counselling.

A bit of background about myself. I graduated in 2015 from Imperial College with a 2:1 in Biology - I chose Ecological/Environmental modules but did complete a compulsory Genetics module in second year. Before I embark on the STP, I need to complete an online refresher course - anyone got any ideas?

I have cared for adults with learning disabilities over the last four to five years. I have a family member with a hereditary genetic condition and also live with her. I was going to start a counselling course at my local college, but cannot now because of Covid-19. Could someone let me know whether I ought to complete a counselling course before the January application start date? If so, does anyone have any recommendations?

Lastly, I am considering applying to the long-distance Cardiff University Course in Genomic Counselling. Does anyone have first hand experience of the course? And gaining employment afterwards?

Look forwards to hearing from you all!
TIA! Jula

Hey, I'm a successful applicant from this year, happy to answer any questions.

I'll echo what most people have said here already; the future learn course around Counselling is a really good one to do, and the course is super competitive with most people taking multiple attempts to be successful.

I have very similar experience to yourself (graduated in 2014, 6 years care work, family member with a hereditary condition) so experience wise you're definitely in with a good shot.

From this year, the absolute most important thing seems to be how you write the application itself. If I were you I'd download the person specification on the NSHCS website now and familiarise yourself with it. They grade your application by going through the specification and ticking everything off; you need to hit every point to get an interview. A lot of people with great experience didn't get through this year because of this (but this year was all over the place anyway).

It's definitely worth applying and you've got some great experience! Let me know if there's anything else I can help with 🙂

Hi Lake Clover,
I need your help, would it be too late to start volunteering now. I do have a background working in a local community centre with mental health initiatives but no experience doing care as you have. Is it worth or are my chances slim?

Hi,Just wondered if this thread was still open? I have a couple questions. 1) Have the applications opened yet? I can't find anything online 2) where are you guys finding the practice tests?

Applications are meant to open this month but they haven’t given a date yet
Here’s a link to practice tests but you have to pay...seems worth it...the guys on the stp buddies Insta said they all used it
https://www.jobtestprep.co.uk/nhs-stp-aptitude-test

I’m probably being totally stupid but when I first started looking into STP, I’m sure I found a list of all the different places you can do genomic counselling inc which hospitals and uni you’d work with. I can’t find it at all now and on the nhs site I can only seem to find info about unis up north? Has anyone got a list of where this course if offered

The different trusts offer slightly different numbers of specialisms each year. The way it was explained to me, each trust effectively decides what they think they'll need in 3 years time, then offers places for those roles. This info gets put on the NSHCS website, but it doesn't seem to be on there at the moment. I imagine with Covid the trusts are weighing their options slightly more than usual (a few pulled out last minute last year). There's usually around 15 places, give or take.

Manchester is the only uni involved though, so that's where all the teaching will be

Great thanks for explaining that! I’ll keep an eye out for more trust information.

So if Manchester is the only uni involved does that mean candidates are expected to relocate up to there? Or is it remote learning?

What would usually happen is that you'd have multiple teaching blocks (usually about 6 weeks long) each year, during which you'd need to stay in Manchester (you get a bursary from your trust for all expenses). With Covid however it's all been distance learning so far, and I can't see that changing any time soon.

Hey, I'm a successful applicant from this year, happy to answer any questions.

I'll echo what most people have said here already; the future learn course around Counselling is a really good one to do, and the course is super competitive with most people taking multiple attempts to be successful.

I have very similar experience to yourself (graduated in 2014, 6 years care work, family member with a hereditary condition) so experience wise you're definitely in with a good shot.

From this year, the absolute most important thing seems to be how you write the application itself. If I were you I'd download the person specification on the NSHCS website now and familiarise yourself with it. They grade your application by going through the specification and ticking everything off; you need to hit every point to get an interview. A lot of people with great experience didn't get through this year because of this (but this year was all over the place anyway).

It's definitely worth applying and you've got some great experience! Let me know if there's anything else I can help with 🙂

Hello,

Thank you for offering your advice and experience!
Would you be available and willing to talk about the STP on the phone at all please? I appreciate that its a busy and difficult time for everyone so please do not feel obligated.

Thank you,
Beth

Hi, do you guys know if the application has changed this year or is it still 4 250 word answers to the typical questions they've asked in previous years?

Hi everyone! Just wondering what all you guys' opinions were on the new questions... especially considering our specialty.