Genetic Counselor Careers
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What
Genetic Counselors do:
A Genetic Counselor is a highly skilled allied
health professional, with specialized training
in the area of medical genetics and counseling.
A Genetic Counselor works to educate the public,
and other healthcare professionals, about
genetic conditions. A Genetic Counselor also
provides counseling to individuals and families
affected by genetic disorders. Some genetic
counselors specialize in pediatric care,
administration, research, counseling or
education.
The main duties of a Genetic Counselor include:
- Working with other healthcare professionals
- Providing support to families of a patient
with birth defects, or genetic disorders
- Providing information to individuals at risk
of inherited genetic conditions
- Identifying families at risk
- Investigating genetic problems
- Interpreting information gathered
- Analyzing patterns and risks of reoccurrence
- Informing patients and their families of
available options
- Referring individuals to community and state
support groups
- Providing genetic information to physicians
and other healthcare professionals
- Offering prenatal genetic diagnosis and
counseling
- Other administrative duties
Education & Qualifications:
To gain entry into a Genetic Counseling program,
many schools require you to have a minimum of a
Bachelor’s degree in genetics, nursing, biology,
psychology, social science or other related
field. You will then need to complete a program
accredited by the American Board of Genetic
Counseling (ABGC). Upon completion graduates
will receive a Master of Science Degree. The
ABGC is the credentialing body for the USA and
Canada.
Salary & Job Prospects:
Genetic Counselor Salaries are in the range of
$50,000 - $70,000, and are dependant on
geographic location, employment setting,
training and experience. Over the next ten
years, the number of Genetic Counselor required
is expected to grow faster than the average job.
Find an Allied Health School:
Use the red search box above, to find Allied
Health schools and colleges in your area that
offer Genetic Counselor programs.
Below is a list of some of the various types of
allied health careers / professions: |
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