What is a Genetic Counselor?
Career Description 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.
Daily Life Of a Genetic Counselor
- Explain diagnostic procedures such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS), ultrasound, fetal blood sampling, and amniocentesis.
- Read current literature, talk with colleagues, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in genetics.
- Interview patients or review medical records to obtain comprehensive patient or family medical histories, and document findings.
- Identify funding sources and write grant proposals for eligible programs or services.
- Provide patients with information about the inheritance of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and various forms of cancer.
- Write detailed consultation reports to provide information on complex genetic concepts to patients or referring physicians.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Genetic Counselor?
These are the skills Genetic Counselors say are the most useful in their careers:
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Types of Genetic Counselor
- Coordinator of Genetic Services
- Clinical Coordinator, Pediatric Genetics
- Certified Genetic Counselor
- Prenatal Genetic Counselor
- Chromosomal Disorders Counselor
Genetic Counselor Employment Estimates
In the United States, there were 3,100 jobs for Genetic Counselor in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 29% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 900 new jobs for Genetic Counselor by 2026. There will be an estimated 300 positions for Genetic Counselor per year.
The states with the most job growth for Genetic Counselor are Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Nebraska, Idaho, or Missouri. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Average Genetic Counselors Salary
The typical yearly salary for Genetic Counselors is somewhere between $52,750 and $107,450.
Genetic Counselors who work in Texas, California, or Nevada, make the highest salaries.
How much do Genetic Counselors make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $48,800 |
| Arizona | $80,160 |
| California | $89,530 |
| Colorado | $87,290 |
| District of Columbia | $79,300 |
| Florida | $54,730 |
| Georgia | $82,370 |
| Illinois | $83,580 |
| Indiana | $74,950 |
| Maryland | $68,370 |
| Massachusetts | $83,540 |
| Michigan | $71,710 |
| Minnesota | $78,550 |
| Missouri | $72,780 |
| Nevada | $95,830 |
| New Jersey | $85,420 |
| New York | $86,810 |
| North Carolina | $71,600 |
| Ohio | $77,110 |
| Oregon | $80,870 |
| Pennsylvania | $73,410 |
| South Carolina | $81,140 |
| Tennessee | $75,680 |
| Texas | $92,960 |
| Utah | $85,330 |
| Washington | $84,450 |
| Wisconsin | $82,070 |
What Tools do Genetic Counselors Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Genetic Counselors:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Database software
- FileMaker Pro
Becoming a Genetic Counselor
Are there Genetic Counselors education requirements?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Genetic Counselor?
Who Employs Genetic Counselors?
Below are examples of industries where Genetic Counselors work:
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those thinking about becoming a Genetic Counselor might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
Image Credit: Staff Sgt. Katie Spencer via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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