The first training programs of Japan for non-medical genetic counselor profession was launched with master’s programs in 2003 at Shinshu University Graduate School of Medicine and the Graduate School of Medical Science, Kitasato University. In 2005, the following seven master programs of genetic counseling, Chiba Univ., Ochanomizu Univ., Kitasato Univ., Shinshu Univ., Kyoto Univ., Kindai Univ. and Kawasaki Univ. were accredited by Japanese Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) as the first institutions. Currently, 12 graduate school courses are certified by JBGC.
The Genetic Counseling Program of Kindai University is a two-year course for Master’s Degree of Science in Graduate School of Science and Engineering Research. The program is housed in the Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering of the university. The training program is housed in the Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science and Technology of the university. This department consists of the following four fields;

• Genetics and Molecular Biology
• Structural and Functional Biopolymer
• Developmental Biology and Physiology
• Environmental Science and Bioethics

Nine professors from the department, 3 from other graduate schools of Kindai University and 10 from the other institutions are assigned to teaching staff in the Genetic Counseling Program, where 8 students are currently under training for qualifications that are required for candidates of accredited genetic counselors by the Japanese Board of Genetic Counseling.

The new field has been brought to genetic counseling by the accelerated discovery of disease and susceptibility genes made possible by the Human Genome Project. Our program based on bioscience is training the genetic counselors who can respond to such new fields for which demand is anticipated.
We hope the information exchange and cooperation with the genetic counselor training institutions of the world.