Genetic Counselors
Additional Information
Duties
The following is a typical list of services provided by genetic counselors:
- Patients should be interviewed to obtain detailed information about their medical and family history.
- Evaluate genetic information in order to identify individuals or families at risk for certain genetic conditions.
- Compose comprehensive consultation reports for patients or referring doctors to explain complicated genetic topics.
- Patients, families, and other healthcare practitioners should be informed about testing alternatives and the related risks, benefits, and restrictions.
- Counsel patients and their families by offering them with information, education, or reassurance about genetic risks and hereditary health issues.
- Attend genetics and genomics conferences and professional organizations to stay up to date on the latest discoveries in the field.
The study of genetics is used by genetic counselors to detect particular genetic illnesses or hazards. To have a genetic illness or syndrome, a person must inherit it from a parent. Genes can be used to determine whether a baby would be born with inherited illnesses like Down syndrome or cystic fibrosis, among others. Genetic counselors also evaluate an adult's risk of developing illnesses having a genetic component, such as cancer.
These disorders are discovered by counselors through the use of DNA testing on their clients. Genetic counselors utilize the results of lab tests performed by medical laboratory technicians to help patients and their families. Other health professionals, such as doctors and medical and clinical laboratory technologists and technicians, have access to this information.
Education
A master's degree in either genetic counseling or genetics is often required for genetic counselors. A bachelor's degree in any field is acceptable for students who want to pursue a master's degree. Bachelor's degrees in science-related fields, such as biology, generally satisfy these requirements.
The fields of public health, epidemiology, psychology, and developmental biology are all included in genetic counseling training. Genetics, public health, and the ability to empathize with patients are all heavily emphasized in these courses. Patients and clients interact with students during clinical rotations, as well. Clinical rotations allow students to work in a variety of settings, such as prenatal diagnostic centers, pediatric hospitals, and cancer clinics, under the supervision of a faculty member.
Master's degree programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling.
Registration, Licenses, and Certifications
Genetic counselors can be certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling. A master's degree from a recognized institution and passing a test are the only requirements for certification. To keep their licenses current, counselors are required to participate in regular hours of continuing education.
Some states require genetic counselors to be licensed, while others are drafting laws to do so. A license is often required for certification. Contact your state's medical board for exact licensure requirements.
Even though the state doesn't mandate certification for genetic counselors, employers often prefer or demand it.
Qualities that are essential
The ability to effectively communicate. Simplifying complicated data is an essential skill for all genetic counselors.
Compassion. Families and critical illnesses may be the subject of patients inquires. Genetic counselors need to be sympathetic and empathetic while delivering their results to their clients.
Analytical abilities. When a genetic counselor examines a patient's or family's test results, they evaluate the best course of action. To correctly analyze hereditary hazards, they employ their applied genetics knowledge.
The ability to make decisions. Using their knowledge and experience, genetic counselors can help patients better understand their findings.
Pay
The median annual wage for genetic counselors was $98,910 in May 2024. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $78,680, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $137,780.
Job Projections
Employment of genetic counselors is projected to grow 16 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.