Career Genetic Counselor

Genetic counselors are health specialists who’ve completed specialized training in medical genetics. As medical specialists, genetic counselors assist individuals who’ve been diagnosed with genetic disorders. Genetic counselors review charts detailing family history and teach patients and other medical specialists about genetic diseases. Since they possess specialized counseling skills, genetic counselors help patients and their loved ones understand potential genetic testing options and the consequences of such testing. Additionally, these specialists address ethical questions associated with genetic testing and treatment.

As members of medical teams, genetic counselors teach patients, doctors, and other medical specialists how to treat people with genetic disorders and participate in public awareness campaigns to educate the public about these disorders. Many American universities offer genetic counseling graduate programs. Students earning graduate degrees in this field are required to complete classes in medical ethics, counseling, molecular genetics, psychology, clinical genetics, and cytogenetics. Aspiring genetic counselors should enroll in an American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) accredited graduate program. Before being certified, genetic counselors must pass the ABGC’s certification examination.Genetic counselors are frequently paid base salaries and periodic bonuses. Likewise, most genetic counselors receive healthcare benefits. Average annual salaries for these specialists range anywhere from $49,195 – 64,208 annually, and with bonuses, genetic counselors earn additional income ranging between $375 - 2,250 annually.






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