I came across a blog entitled “Alternative Careers- Genetic Counselor” from the Science Magazine Career blog so I decided to find out more information.
So what exactly is a genetic counselor?
A genetic counselor is a health professional with experience in medical genetics and counseling. Most enter the field from a variety of disciplines, including biology, genetics, nursing, psychology, public health, and social work.
Genetic counselors work as members of a health care team, providing information and support to families who have members with birth defects, genetic disorders, or those that may be at risk for inherited genetic conditions. Counselors identify families at risk, investigate the problem present in the family, interpret information about the disorder, analyze inheritance patterns and risks of recurrence, and review available options with the family. Genetic counselors also provide supportive counseling, serve as patient advocates, and refer patients to community or state support services. They serve as educators and resource professionals for other healthcare professionals and the general public. Many are involved in research activities related to medical genetics and genetic counseling.
I then interviewed a genetic counselor that specializes in cancer. Here are the questions and answers:
- What degree do you need to become a genetic counselor? How do you become a genetic counselor?
A master’s degree- graduation from an accredited Master’s program in Genetic Counseling is required.
- What does a typical day look like?
Triage of referrals, case preparation, seeing patients, documentation of visits, insurance issues, giving lectures to students, residents, fellows, attendings, nurses and the general population, research activities including publication of findings.
- What do you most enjoy/not enjoy?
I most enjoy meeting with the patients. I least enjoy doing the dictations and dealing with insurance companies.
- What is the average starting salary?
Mean salary for genetic counselors with 1-4 years experience is $53,666 per NSGC Professional Status Survey 2008.
- Are their internships/shadowing programs out there?
Yes, contact a local genetic counselor to inquire about a shadowing opportunity. (To locate this person, click on the website below, click on “Find a Counselor” under quick links on the left column, and then you can search by your zip code or institution.)
- Where can you find out more information if interested?
The website listed above is for the National Society of Genetic Counselors and has a lot of very useful information on it, including possible employment opportunities. Another great website is the American Board of Genetic Counseling- www.abgc.net
This site has a general overview of what genetic counseling is plus it includes information about graduate programs that offer genetic counseling, coursework overview, and online programs.
Tags: Alternative Career, Genetic Counselor
