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.
Below is a list of some of the various types of allied health careers / professions: