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Genetic Counselor - Career Profile |
Career OverviewGenetic counselors are charged to provide information and advice on hereditary disorders and risks. They are trained health care professionals who daily exercise communication and teaching skills to help patients address concerns relating to hereditary disorders and family illness in general.
Genetics is an important and developing field of medicine. It is the study of the human gene and the process of transmission from parents to children of characteristics. A number of genes cause conditions and diseases that are harmful and potentially life-threatening. A multitude of genetically transmitted disorders can be identified in fetuses and often the role of the genetic counselor is to help expectant parents address concerns relating to hereditary disorders from which their child may suffer. Diseases such as Down’s Syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy, Cystic Fibrosis, Tay-Sachs disease, and Sickle Cell Anemia are all transferred from parents to children.
Genetic counselors provide patients with information from a number of sources, including medical geneticists and specialists to facilitate parent understanding of prenatal screening results and the medical options available at any given time to protect the health of a developing fetus. In their role as counselors, genetic counselors also address emotional and physical issues relating to the stress of genetic disorders within families.
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Career RequirementsTo begin training to become a genetics counselor, a bachelor’s degree in biology, is required. A familiarity with general biology, genetics, developmental biology, molecular genetics, general chemistry, psychology, and statistics; other recommended courses are organic chemistry, advanced psychology, and Spanish.
Master’s degrees in genetics include focus upon human anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, human genetic, clinical medicine, animal genetics, medical genetics, client counseling, and delivery of genetic services.
Most degree programs also arrange for several hundred hours field work in appropriate clinical settings.
Certification in genetics counseling is available through the American Board of Genetic Counseling.
The National Society of Genetic Counselors
233 Canterbury Dr., Wallingford, PA 19086
www.nsgc.org
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Job OutlookAlthough the field of genetics counseling is relatively new, and the profession of the genetics counselor is constantly evolving and developing, there is a definite demand for genetic counselors. All those who graduate from degree programs in the field have found ready employment in the field and enjoy considerable job security.
It is difficult to predict how the field will continue to develop over the course of the next ten years, but the outlook is considered very favorable by institutions such as the United States Department of Labor.
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Career TrackThe vast majority of genetics counselors work full-time. They are typically employed by major medical centers that undertake genetic screening and prenatal diagnostic procedures. Genetic counselors work within pediatric and obstetric/gynecology departments, meeting with families, physicians, and other specialists to facilitate communication and understanding on genetic issues.
Promotion is possible within larger medical centers to supervisory positions that require managerial and administrative work. Removal to private practices can also be considered as advancement.
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CompensationIncome for genetic counselors ranges between $35,000 and $55,000 per year in the public sector. The private sector offers slightly better prospects for compensation and benefits.
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