Genetic Counselor
Quick Facts
Median Salary$83,545
Most Common EducationMaster's degree
Projected 10-Year Growth+7.55%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment
What They Do
A Genetic Counselor provides healthcare guidance to individuals based upon genetic factors. Advises patients or relatives at risk of an inherited disorder of the consequences and nature of the disorder, the probability of developing or transmitting it, and the options open to them in management and family planning. Requires a certification in Genetic Counseling.
Core Tasks:
- Interpret laboratory results and communicate findings to patients or physicians.
- Analyze genetic information to identify patients or families at risk for specific disorders or syndromes.
- Discuss testing options and the associated risks, benefits and limitations with patients and families to assist them in making informed decisions.
- Provide counseling to patient and family members by providing information, education, or reassurance.
- Provide genetic counseling in specified areas of clinical genetics, such as obstetrics, pediatrics, oncology and neurology.
- Write detailed consultation reports to provide information on complex genetic concepts to patients or referring physicians.
- Determine or coordinate treatment plans by requesting laboratory services, reviewing genetics or counseling literature, and considering histories or diagnostic data.
- Interview patients or review medical records to obtain comprehensive patient or family medical histories, and document findings.
- Assess patients' psychological or emotional needs, such as those relating to stress, fear of test results, financial issues, and marital conflicts to make referral recommendations or assist patients in managing test outcomes.
- Provide patients with information about the inheritance of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and various forms of cancer.
- Read current literature, talk with colleagues, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in genetics.
- Explain diagnostic procedures such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS), ultrasound, fetal blood sampling, and amniocentesis.
- Prepare or provide genetics-related educational materials to patients or medical personnel.
- Refer patients to specialists or community resources.
- Design and conduct genetics training programs for physicians, graduate students, other health professions or the general community.
- Evaluate or make recommendations for standards of care or clinical operations, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, ethics, legislation, or policies.
- Engage in research activities related to the field of medical genetics or genetic counseling.
- Collect for, or share with, research projects patient data on specific genetic disorders or syndromes.
- Identify funding sources and write grant proposals for eligible programs or services.
What to expect as a Genetic Counselor
1Earn a Master's degree
66% of people achieve this level of education.
2Gain skills and experience
See Genetic Counselor related courses on Tallo
3Land a job
223 openings for Genetic Counselors
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
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