European registration process for genetic counsellors and

genetic nurses

Guidelines for applicants• 1. Eligibility to register – master level education• 2. Practical clinical experience • 3. Assessment of competence and registration process• 4. Eligibility under the Grandfather clause• 5. Registration by an applicant already registered under an

approved national registration system• 6. How to apply• 7. Maintenance of registration• 8. Fees • Key dates for Genetic Counsellor and Genetic Nurse

Registration process• Frequently asked questions

1. Eligibility to register• Master level education • GC: Master degree in genetic counselling• GN: Master degree in genetic nursing

• Level of education should comply with core curriculum• If not?

• Not eligible for registration• Grandfather Clause

2. Practical clinical experience• Required competences:• Period of two years• Within a multi-disciplinary team• Within a genetic healthcare environment • In one or more departments

• Specialist in one area of genetics: oncogenetics• Experience in general genetics • 10 cases outside their specialisation in the case log

• Potential applicants who are not certain should contact the EBMG Genetic Nurse and Counsellor Division

2. Practical clinical experience• Examples• An applicant works 35 hours per week in a public genetics service

for 2 years. He spends 80% of his time providing direct patient care and 20% of his time doing research related to genetic counselling. He would be eligible to apply for registration after 2 years.

• An applicant works half time in a genetic service providing patient care. She would be eligible after 4 years of practice.

• An applicant works full time in a university hospital. For 40% of the time she teaches genetic counselling, for the remaining 60% of her time she provides genetic counselling to patients. She would be eligible for registration after 2 years.

3. Assessment of competence and registration process

• Made by the EBMG Genetic Nurse and Counsellor division• Experienced and registered GC and GN • Divided in two parts due to the different needs

• GN• GC

• Assessment may differ according to whether the applicant is applying by the normal route or using the Grandfather Clause

Evidence required

Type of application

a.References (2x)

B. Case lof of 50 cases signed by manager or senior colleague

C. CPD for past 2 year

D.Case studies (2x)

E.Scientific essays (2x)

F. Genetic science exame

Normal route X X X X

Grandfather Clause A

X X X

Grandfather Clause B

X X X X

Grandfather Clause C

X X X X X X

National registration route

X

A. Two references

1. From a senior colleague • Registered GN or GC• Senior medical geneticist

This reference must address the ways in which the applicant:• Works within the European genetic counsellor Code of Professional

Practice• Manages a clinical caseload• Has access to and uses both counselling and clinical supervision• Maintains their professional knowledge and skills• Interacts with members of the multi-disciplinary team

2. From the applicant’s line manager

B. Case log

• 50 cases• To demonstrate the required competences • Verified by the manager/senior colleague• Special points to remember• Anonymously • Not > 3 years ago• Casus during the Master’s programma may not be used• Each clinical skill should be shown in at least 10 cases• In each case: at least 5 skills • Specialised? At least 10 cases outside your specialty• Use a legend

C. Continuing Professional Development Record

• Shows CPD activities in past 2 years • At least 30 hours education per year• At least 10 hours: via external sources • Remaining hours:

• Conferences• Educational courses • Departmental seminars• Journal club• Private study (up to 5 hours per year)

• Registrants must record the date and type of education • Write reflective comments on what they’ve learned and how

they have integrated that into their practice => Demonstration and integration of the learning into practice is an essential part of the CPD process.

D. Case studies

• 2 case studies• Focus on the use of counselling skills• Focus on ethical aspects

• 2000-2500 words• May be written in preferred language and professionally

translated in English • Instructions for writing are available

E. Scientific essay and letter

• Two short pieces of work to demonstrate your scientific knowledge:

• Essay• An explanation of the underlying mutation or abnormality • The method of laboratory testing used to support diagnosis

• Letter• To a patient, explaining a specific condition

4. Eligibility under the Grandfather Clause

• For GN and GC working in a country where there is no current system of registration

• Limited period of 5 years • Assessment will be based on the work carried out by the

applicant • Following options are possible:• Grandfather Clause A• Grandfather Clause B• Grandfather Clause C

Type of application

a.References (2x)

B. Case lof of 50 cases signed by manager or senior colleague

C. CPD for past 2 year

D.Case studies (2x)

E.Scientific essays (2x)

F. Genetic science exame

Normal route X X X X

Grandfather Clause A

X X X

Grandfather Clause B

X X X X

Grandfather Clause C

X X X X X X

National registration route

X

Grandfather Clause

Grandfather Clause A

• Two-year Master degree in genetic counselling• Worked as GC for at least 3 years full time• Reduced Portfolio• A case log of 50 cases • References from the line manager and senior colleague• CPD record

Grandfather Clause B• Specific course in genetic counselling• Worked as GC for at least four years full time• Reduced portfolio• Case log of 50 cases • References from the line manager and senior colleague• Two case studies• CPD record

Grandfather Clause C• No specific course in genetic counselling • 5 years of experience full time • Full portfolio• Case log of 50 cases • References from the line manager and senior colleague• Two case studies• CPD record • Scientific essay and letter • Genetic science examen: written mult-choice questionnaire

examination to assess knowledge of genetic science

5. Registration by an applicant already registered under an approved national system

• Practitioners who are already registered may apply for entry onto the European register without the need for additional assessment.

• A number of national registration systems have been approved by the EBMG

National registration route

Type of application

a.References (2x)

B. Case lof of 50 cases signed by manager or senior colleague

C. CPD for past 2 year

D.Case studies (2x)

E.Scientific essays (2x)

F. Genetic science exame

Normal route X X X X

Grandfather Clause A

X X X

Grandfather Clause B

X X X X

Grandfather Clause C

X X X X X X

National registration route

X

6. How to apply• Initial application by 15th September in each year• Full application by 15th January of the following year• Information about outcome of the application by 15th April• Each application will be• Assessed in detail by at least 2 members of the Board • Discussed at a full Branch Board meeting

• If a registrant is not approved for registration after 2 attempts, further education and training may be suggested before they can re-apply. Subsequent applications may have to be based on new case studies.

7. Maintenance of registration• 5 years• Renew by • submissing CPD record • 2 references

• Senior colleague• Line manager

• Maintenance by the record of the CPD

8. FeesApplication for registration Includes assessment and

initial 5 year registration cost

2015: 200 euro

Application for European registration by a person who is already registered under a recognised national system

Includes assessment and initial 5 year registration cost

2015: 80 euro

Renewal of registration for 5 years

2018: 200 euro

All fees are payable to the EBMG.After we make an initial assessment of your intention to register, the ESHG/EBMG office will send you details about how to pay your fee, either by debit/credit card or bank transfer. Those applying for renewal of registration will also be sent details of how to pay.

Key dates • Intention to register• Between 15 July 2015 and 15 September 2015• Closes 15 September 2015

• Final date for completed applications is 15 January 2016• Response to applicants by 1 April 2016

Website EBMG • https://www.eshg.org• https://www.eshg.org/471.0.html

Questions?