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Quick Links to this Page

• What are genetic counselors?
• Where can I find information about genetic counselors in my area?
• How can I become a genetic counselor?
• Career Opportunities in Genetic Counseling
• Articles and Other Resources

What are genetic counselors?

Genetic counselors are health professionals with specialized graduate degrees and experience in the areas of 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 healthcare team, providing information and support to families who have members with birth defects or genetic disorders and to families who may be at risk for a variety of inherited conditions. They 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 to families, serve as patient advocates, and refer individuals and families to community or state support services. They serve as educators and resource people for other healthcare professionals and for the general public. Some counselors also work in administrative capacities. Many engage in research activities related to the field of medical genetics and genetic counseling.

Definition adopted by the National Society of Genetic Counselors, Inc. 1983.

Where can I find information about genetic counselors in my area?

National Resources for Locating Genetic Counselors By Area

• National Society of Genetic Counselors: Use Find a Counselor.
  
• American Board of Genetic Counseling: Search the Membership Directory, a combined listing of members of the American Society of Human Genetics, Genetics Society of America, American College of Medical Genetics, American Board of Medical Genetics, and American Board of Genetic Counseling. For a list of all members in a particular city or state, enter the location without entering any names.
  
• Canadian Association of Genetic Counselors
  
• Medical Geneticists are M.D.'s, Ph.D.'s, or M.D.-Ph.D.'s with specialized training in the diagnosis of genetic disorders. To find a medical geneticist in your region, contact the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) or search the Membership Directory. For a list of all members in a particular city or state, enter the location without entering any names.

How can I become a genetic counselor?

Certified genetic counselors hold a Master's degree from one of the 23 accredited U.S. graduate programs. Students in these programs study genetics, psychosocial theory, ethics, and counseling. They also participate in clinical training. Certification is obtained through successful completion of documented clinical experience and the American Board of Genetic Counseling's examination.

Career Opportunities

Genetic counseling is a growing field. Traditional jobs are in prenatal counseling, but increasing opportunites are available in other areas. Among the possibilities are

• Clinical - working with patients and families in hospitals, private practice, or on a consulting basis
• Commercial - working with biotech companies which design, sell, and administer genetic tests
• Education and Public Policy - teaching and advising companies, students, and lawmakers

Average income for genetic counselors with a master's degree and 5-9 years experience in 2006 was $61,268. Median salary for a typical genetic counselor in 2008 in the United States was $54,832.

Articles and Other Resources

• National Society of Genetic Counselors
• American Board of Genetic Counseling
• Canadian Association of Genetic Counselors
• Genetic Counseling FAQs from American Pregancy Association
• Genetic Counseling FAQS from March of Dimes
• Genetic Counseling FAQs from GeneticHealth
• Journal of Genetic Counseling
• Genetic Counseling from KidsHealth
• NSGC Paper on Predisposition Testing for Late-Onset Disorders in Adults (1998)
• Graduate Programs in Genetic Counseling
• Genetic Counseling: The Human Side of Science - Article from the Scientist
• Genetic Counseling: Your New Job - Article from the American College of Physicians Observer (1985)
• New York Online Access to Health
• Genetic Counseling from MEDLINEplus
• What is the role of genetic counseling? - From AccessExcellence
• Professional Status Survey of Genetic Counselors (2006) - From NSGC (.pdf)
• Professional Status Survey -Tables divided by geographical regions
• What is a genetics consultation? - From GeneTests.
• Genetic Counselors - Information from the Genetic Science Learning Center

Books

• C. Evans and P. Harper, Genetic Counseling, A Psychological Approach, 2006.
• P. S. Harper, Practical Genetic Counseling (6th Edition), 2004.
• P. McCarthy Veach, B. LeRoy, and D. Bartels, Facilitating the Genetic Counseling Process: A Practice Manual, 2003.
• K. Schneider, Counseling About Cancer: Strategies for Genetic Counseling (2nd. Edition), 2001.
• Psyche and Helix: Psychological Aspects of Genetic Counseling, ed. R. Resta, 2000.
• J. Well, Psychosocial Genetic Counseling, 2000.
• A Guide to Genetic Counseling, ed. D. L. Baker, J. Schuette, and W. Uhlmann, 1998.

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