Genetics & Your Practice began in 1994 as a collaborative project involving the Washington State Department of Health, the Western Washington Chapter of the March of Dimes, and genetic providers throughout the state. The Health Services and Resources Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, provided initial funding. Initial work focused on the development of a genetics curriculum and a statewide lecture series for health care and social service professionals.

In 1998 the program began expanding nationally when March of Dimes chapters across the country began conducting the lecture series.

In the summer of 2000, the March of Dimes introduced the curriculum to China during a special symposium. The curriculum was subsequently translated into Mandarin for continued use in China's professional genetics education initiatives.

Because of the curriculum’s success, Idaho State University has offered it as an online distance education course.

The Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Genetic Services Branch, SPRANS (Special Projects of Regional and National Significance), and the March of Dimes provided initial funding. Over the years the Swedish Medical Center in Seattle and state and local health departments have supported Genetics & Your Practice.

In June 2000 the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation awarded the March of Dimes a $750,000 four-year grant to expand Genetics & Your Practice by developing a Web site for health professionals.

Evaluations have found that Genetics & Your Practice programs are successful and well received. Participants consistently give the programs a 90 percent satisfaction rating or higher.