Various hereditary conditions a human can be exposed to be found out by medical professionals through examination of the genome. A Genetic Counselor cracks open the DNA code of his patients by analyzing the test results and help the other healthcare providers and patients to identify their risks for specific disorders, birth defects, investigation of family health history, interpretation of information and assist them to make life-changing decisions that will affect their future health.
Genetic Counseling helps people understand and be familiar with the medical and psychological implications of their genetic contributions to various diseases.
Genetic Counseling is an attractive medical option for aspiring students in medical genetics and face-to-face interactions with patients and other healthcare providers.
A genetic counsellor is not only a scientist wearing a white coat in a lab but also a person who provides emotional support and reassurance to patients who are going through a hard time in their lives.
These professionals are the scientists that specialize in the field of Genomics, the study of people’s genes and their interaction within the body and outside environment. They perform an assessment of test results and counsel the patients about the outcomes. For instance, determining the likelihood that the parents may pass on the hereditary conditions, genetic disorder and birth defects to their kids and advise on the next action steps.
Responsibilities of Genetic Counselors
The typical responsibilities of these professionals are:
- Interview the patients to get detailed family medical and health histories through face-to-face interactions and sometimes on a phone call.
- Evaluation and Interpretation of genetic information of patients or their families who are at a risk for certain disorders and calculate that risk of occurrence and recurrence.
- Writing detailed consultation reports for providing information to the concerned physicians and the patients.
- Discussion of the various testing options along with associated risks and benefits with limitations to the patients, families and healthcare providers.
- Be up to date about the development in genetics and genomics by being a part of professional organizations and conferences.
- Educate the patients about the inheritance, testing options, available resources and research, management and prevention of risk factors.
- Help the patients make informed decisions by using counselling skills and help them adapt to their risk or condition.
- Depending upon the severity of the condition, refer patients for appropriate screening sessions.
- Expertise in dealing with the psychological and ethical issues concerning the patients and their families.
Required Qualifications
The career path for becoming a genetic counsellor involves a combination of education, clinical experience, licensing and continuation of education to keep them abreast with the latest developments and trends in genetics.
- After completion of an undergraduate degree in fields like biology or related field, masters have to be done in genetic counselling from an accredited college or university where the candidate will attend classes in genomics, public health, psychology, epidemiology and development biology.
- After completion of masters, the candidates have to pass the certification exam to get the accreditation from the American Board of Genetic Counseling. To maintain their board certification, counsellors have to continue their course classes.
Different Specialization Areas for Genetic Counselors
- Prenatal and preconception
- Pediatrics and Psychiatrics
- Mitochondrial and Chromosomal disorders
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular field
- Neurology
- Laboratory and Industry
- Public health
- Education and Research
Workplace of Genetic Counselors
The largest employers of genetic counsellors are in:
- State, local and private hospitals
- Medical and Diagnostic laboratories
- Physicians’ clinics
- Colleges, Universities and professional schools at state, local and private levels.
- Self-employed counsellors
The genetic counsellors work with patients and their families and other medical professionals.
Salary of Genetic Counselors
According to the Professional Status Survey (PSS) conducted in 2019 by the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGS), the median salary of genetic counsellors is $84, 886.
The median annual salaries of Genetic Counselors in top industries they are employed are:
- Medical and Diagnostic Labs- $94,290
- Physicians’ offices- $81,400
- Hospitals at state, local and private levels- $81,230
- Colleges, Universities and schools- $76, 440
Most of the genetic counsellors work a full day and they have a standard schedule at work.
Career prospects
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for the trained genetic counsellors will continue growing with a predicted 29% growth rate between 2014 and 2024 in comparison with an average rate of 7% across other jobs.
These counsellors are getting new roles that are working in administration, research, professional education, public health, public policy and in consulting, web content development and lab support.
Latest technological innovations and developments that involve lab tests and improvement in genomics are providing the counsellors with the opportunities to undertake different analyses.
– Samiya Firdous
