genetic counseling - predicting the future

Genetic Counseling

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A genetic counselor is a health professional who has a specialized graduate degree and experience in counseling and medical genetics.

These counselors may have a background in social work, psychology, genetics, public health, nursing or biology.


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What Does A Genetic Counselor Do?

A genetic counselor works in a team of health care specialists to provide support and information to individuals who suffer from genetic disorders or birth defects.


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He or she may also work with a family whose members are at risk for an inherited genetic condition.


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Most counselors will identify if a family is at risk and may perform a variety of other functions with the family.


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Functions include investigation of the problem experienced by the family, providing and interpreting information about the genetic disorder, studying inheritance patterns to evaluate the risks of a disorder reoccurring, and discussing available treatment options.




What About Counseling?

A genetic counselor will work as a therapist with families, providing counseling to individuals or families or referring them to external support sites in the community or state.


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Some genetic counselors also conduct research in the fields of genetics and genetic counseling.




What Do I Do To Become a Genetic Counselor?

To become a genetic counselor, it is necessary to complete an undergraduate degree in psychology and then go on to get a graduate-level education. A master’s degree is the typical requirement at the graduate level.


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A graduate program in genetic counseling usually includes topics such as psychosocial theory, ethics, genetics and counseling.

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Upon completion of a graduate program, graduates must obtain certification, which requires a number of hours of documented clinical experience, as well as an examination through the American Board of Genetic Counseling.


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The National Society of Genetic Counselors provides a listing of training programs available in the United States in genetic counseling.


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Where Can I Work as a Genetic Counselor? This profession is projected to increase in popularity in the coming years due to growing advances in the field of genetics. Once trained, graduates may work in a variety of fields including clinical and commercial settings, education and public policy settings, diagnostic laboratory settings and research settings. In each of these settings, a genetic counselor would work as part of a health care team.

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