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)
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