Genetic information can be complex and sensitive. Health and social care workers need a solid understanding to support people confidently, accurately, and compassionately.
This free course will help you to:
- Build core knowledge: Understand genetics, DNA, genes, and chromosomes in a practical, care-focused way.
- Support individuals effectively: Learn how genetic conditions affect health, wellbeing, and family life.
- Understand modern healthcare: Explore how genomics is shaping personalised and precision medicine within the NHS.
- Navigate testing and counselling: Gain insight into genetic testing, counselling processes, and patient support.
- Work ethically and responsibly: Understand consent, confidentiality, and the social impact of genetic information.
- Apply learning in practice: Focus on how genetics and genomics relate directly to your role in health and social care.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this free course, you will be able to:
- Explain the basics of genetics and its relevance to health and social care.
- Describe the structure and function of DNA, genes, and chromosomes.
- Identify common genetic variations and inherited conditions.
- Understand inheritance patterns and how genetic conditions are diagnosed and managed.
- Distinguish between genetics and genomics and explain their role in modern healthcare.
- Describe the purpose and process of genetic and genomic testing.
- Understand the role of genetic counselling and the skills involved.
- Recognise ethical, legal, and social considerations in genetic healthcare.
- Support individuals and families emotionally and practically.
- Understand the role of genomics in public health, screening, and disease prevention.
Genetics in Health and Social Care Course Outline
Module 1: Basics of Genetics
Learners will be introduced to the fundamentals of genetics and its relevance to health and social care practice. This module explains the structure and function of DNA, genes, and chromosomes, and how genetic information influences growth, development, and health. Learners will also explore common genetic variations and their potential impact on physical and mental health.
Module 2: Genetic Conditions
This module focuses on the genetic basis of common inherited conditions such as cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anaemia. Learners will explore how these conditions are inherited, diagnosed, and managed in health and social care settings. The module also explains different inheritance patterns, helping learners understand risks for individuals and families.
Module 3: Genomics in Healthcare
Learners will explore genomics and how it differs from traditional genetics. This module explains the role of genomics in personalised and precision medicine, including how genomic information can guide prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Learners will also examine the benefits and challenges of integrating genomics into healthcare, including its use within the NHS Genomic Medicine Service. A knowledge check supports understanding.
Module 4: Genetic Testing
This module explains the purpose and process of genetic and genomic testing. Learners will explore the National Genomic Test Directory and how it supports clinical decision-making. The module also introduces pharmacogenomics and how genetic information can be used to tailor drug treatments to improve safety and effectiveness.
Module 5: Genetic Counselling
Learners will examine the role and purpose of genetic counselling in supporting individuals and families. This module outlines the genetic counselling process and explores the communication, empathy, and ethical skills required to provide effective support. Learners will gain insight into how counselling helps individuals understand genetic information and make informed decisions.
Module 6: Ethical and Social Implications
This module explores the ethical, legal, and social issues associated with genetics and genomics. Learners will examine ethical considerations in genetic testing and counselling, including confidentiality, informed consent, and data protection. The module also explores the social impact of genetic information on individuals and families, as well as public attitudes towards genomics. A knowledge check is included.
Module 7: Role of Health and Social Care Workers
Learners will explore the responsibilities of health and social care workers in supporting individuals with genetic conditions. This module explains how workers can provide emotional and practical support, communicate sensitively, and work effectively within multidisciplinary teams to deliver coordinated genetic care.
Module 8: Genomics in Public Health
In the final module, learners will explore how genomics is used in public health. This includes disease prevention, targeted screening programmes, and newborn screening for early diagnosis. Learners will examine how genomics is shaping public health strategies and improving population health outcomes.es and knowledge checks to support understanding and reflection.
Target Audience
This course is suitable for:
- Health and social care workers supporting individuals with genetic or inherited conditions.
- Support workers and carers who want to understand the impact of genetics on care.
- Team leaders and managers seeking to build workforce knowledge in genomics.
- Students and learners preparing for careers in health and social care.
No prior knowledge of genetics is required. The course is designed to be accessible while still reflecting current healthcare practice.
FAQ
What does the course cover?
The course covers genetics and genomics fundamentals, inherited conditions, testing, counselling, ethical considerations, and public health applications.
Is the content relevant to UK practice?
Yes. The course reflects UK health and social care systems and current NHS approaches to genomics.
Can I apply what I learn in my role?
Absolutely. The course focuses on practical understanding and how genetics affects real people and care decisions.
How long will it take to complete?
The course is self-paced and typically takes 1 hour to complete.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. You’ll receive a certificate on successful completion.
Is this course CPD accredited?
Courses are not currently CPD accredited, but accreditation is planned.
Genetics and genomics are becoming an everyday part of health and social care. By developing your understanding now, you can provide better-informed, ethical, and compassionate support to individuals and families.
Join this course today and strengthen your confidence in genetics and genomics in health and social care.
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Genetics in Health and Social Care Training Course CPD Accredited and Government Funding
We’re working on getting this Genetics in Health and Social Care Training Course CPD accredited, and any course that’s approved will be clearly labelled as CPD accredited on the site. Not every health and social care course has to be accredited to help you meet CQC expectations – what matters is that staff are competent, confident and properly trained for their roles under Regulation 18. Our courses are built to support those requirements, and because they’re not government funded there are no eligibility checks or ID needed – you can enrol and start learning straight away.
