Below is a template to request that your genetic counseling continuing education (CEU) program be paid for by your employer. Please copy/paste and EDIT THE BOLD PARTS to fit your specific scenario & request. Add the optional sections (at the end) as needed.

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[DATE]

Dear [XXXX],

I am writing to request coverage for continuing education, which is required to maintain my certification as a genetic counselor.

The American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) requires genetic counselors complete 125 hours of continuing education every five years to maintain certification as a genetic counselor. So, on average, I need to complete 25 hours of continuing education each year.

I am requesting that you cover the cost of the continuing education program: Genetics Book Club – Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism (2022 edition). This course has been authorized by National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) to provide 11.8 hours of continuing education (1.18 CEUs). The cost of the course is [$153.00 (without book); $171.99 (with paperback book)]. More information is available at theceushop.org.

Please let me know if you have any questions. I can be reached at: [XX,XX]

Thank you,

[NAME]
[TITLE]

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Optional additions:

Job performance benefit – In addition to being required for certification, continuing education allows me to stay-up-to date in the rapidly evolving field of genetics and improves my job performance.

State Licensure – Additionally, the state of [XX] requires genetic counselors to complete [XX] hours of continuing education within [XX] years to maintain licensure. This licensure is required to practice as a genetic counselor within the state. I need to complete XX hours by [XX/XX/XX].

When your employer has not paid for CEUs in the past – It is standard within the genetic counseling profession to have continuing education covered as an employee benefit. On the professional status survey conducted by the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) in 2023, 87% of full-time genetic counselors reported that their employers provided continuing education/conference funding.

Request time to complete the course – This course takes 11.8 hours to complete.  I would like to request to [leave work early as my patient schedule allows / take one day at home to complete this course, and an additional 3.8 hours as time allows / take 3 half days / whatever you want to request] to complete this course. While I am flexible on when I can complete the course, I would like to have the time to complete this course by [XX/XX/XX].

Request additional CEU programs/ conferences- [add any additional course or conference coverage that you would like for the year]