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Genetic Counselors

  • Bright Outlook
  • Rapid Growth

Assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. Provide information to other healthcare providers or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions. Advise individuals and families to support informed decisionmaking and coping methods for those at risk. May help conduct research related to genetic conditions or genetic counseling.

What you’d do

  • Provide counseling to patient and family members by providing information, education, or reassurance.
  • Analyze genetic information to identify patients or families at risk for specific disorders or syndromes.
  • Provide genetic counseling in specified areas of clinical genetics, such as obstetrics, pediatrics, oncology and neurology.
  • Discuss testing options and the associated risks, benefits and limitations with patients and families to assist them in making informed decisions.
  • Interview patients or review medical records to obtain comprehensive patient or family medical histories, and document findings.
  • Provide patients with information about the inheritance of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and various forms of cancer.
  • Interpret laboratory results and communicate findings to patients or physicians.
  • Write detailed consultation reports to provide information on complex genetic concepts to patients or referring physicians.

Skills that matter

  • Active Listening
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Learning
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Social Perceptiveness

How to get there

Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher

Also called

  • Certified Genetic Counselor (CGC)
  • Clinical Genetic Counselor
  • Genetic Services Coordinator
  • Lab Genetic Counselor (Laboratory Genetic Counselor)
  • Cardiovascular Genetics Counselor
  • Hereditary Cancer Program Coordinator

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