Genetic Counselor

Genetic Counselor

Duties and Responsibilities: 

A genetic counselor helps couples who want to have children to understand risk at an inherited genetic disorder or, helps the family understand their full genetic family history.  They spend a large variety of time explaining and analyzing genetic history from a genetics point of view.  

                Genetic counselors go beyond the family history of each patient and how it differs throughout the family and family timeline.  They must have a large amount of patience while analyzing the family history and being aware of not making any mistakes that can cost a life.  Their work is scientifically based and all of their gathered information as well and later, they apply it to the family history and what it means for each individual.

Genetic Counselors collect and do:

• ·         Support their patients
• ·         Explain genetics of past family members
• ·         Explain test results
• ·         Recommend diagnostic tests
• ·         Explain how genetic disorders are passed down
• ·         Discuss risk factors
• ·         Discuss birth defects
• ·         Explore and explain treatment programs/options
• ·         Counsel clients in distress
• ·         Refer clients to health resources and community resources  

Education:

 Requirements to become a genetic counselor:

• ·         Have a minimum of a master’s degree in genetics from an accredited U.S program   
• ·         Pass examinations administrated by the of the American Board of Genetic Counseling
• ·         Training
• ·         Have undergraduate degrees in subjects such as social work, psychology, biology, public health, genetics or nursing. 

Salary: $67,200- $77,900. (Depending on degree and where Genetic Counselors work at)