Life As a Genetic Counselor
Position 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.
List of Genetic Counselor Job Duties
- Refer patients to specialists or community resources.
- Interview patients or review medical records to obtain comprehensive patient or family medical histories, and document findings.
- Explain diagnostic procedures such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS), ultrasound, fetal blood sampling, and amniocentesis.
- Provide genetic counseling in specified areas of clinical genetics, such as obstetrics, pediatrics, oncology and neurology.
- Provide counseling to patient and family members by providing information, education, or reassurance.
- 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.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Genetic Counselor?
When polled, Genetic Counselors say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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.
Other Genetic Counselor Job Titles
- Prenatal and Pediatric Genetic Counselor
- Genetics Counselor
- Genetic Counselor
- Cancer Genetics Assistant
- Mitochondrial Disorders Counselor
Job Outlook for Genetic Counselors
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 3,100 jobs in the United States for Genetic Counselor. 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.
How Much Does a Genetic Counselor Make?
Genetic Counselors make between $52,750 and $107,450 a year.
Genetic Counselors who work in Texas, California, or Nevada, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Genetic Counselors 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 & Technology do Genetic Counselors Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Genetic Counselors may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Database software
- FileMaker Pro
How do I Become a Genetic Counselor?
Education needed to be a Genetic Counselor:
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where do Genetic Counselors Work?
Genetic Counselors work in the following industries:
Other Jobs You May 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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