Job Profile: Genetic Counselor
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Editor & Writer
Contributing Writer
Editor & Writer
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Do you dream of helping families dealing with unique genetic conditions? Genetic counselors are specially trained healthcare professionals with master's degrees who advise patients on inherited diseases and conditions. If you want to combine a love of biology with counseling, becoming a genetic counselor could be a perfect career fit.
While 50 years ago, genetic counselors focused primarily on prenatal testing, today, they administer and interpret genetic tests for all ages. With improved genetic testing, there's an increasing awareness of the need for genetic counselors who can give families important answers.
What Does a Genetic Counselor Do?
Or, what is a genetic counselor? A genetic counselor performs a variety of responsibilities related to genetic testing, including administering genetic tests and offering patient advice and support. It's a counseling career that requires specialized medical knowledge. Key responsibilities include:
- Assessing family and medical history.
- Counseling families in cases of genetic disorders or birth defects.
- Explaining the benefits and limitations of genetic testing options.
- Assisting families in understanding genetic disorders, management strategies, and medical recommendations.
- Developing and presenting educational and related programs.
- Coordinating and supporting research protocols.
- Teaching and supervising training activities for other healthcare professionals.
As a genetic counselor, you'll be able to work with patients and families. You'll need to apply counseling methods and techniques to effectively communicate medical information and test results. You will also need a strong knowledge of human genetic disorders and birth defects, plus the ability to use independent judgment while managing and imparting confidential information.
Featured Online Counselor Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
How to Become a Genetic Counselor
Becoming a genetic counselor requires earning bachelor's and master's degrees from accredited schools. After completing a master's program, you will need to take and pass a certification exam to become a certified genetic counselor.
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1
Get a bachelor's degree
Earning a bachelor's degree from an accredited university is the first step. Consider a major in biology, social sciences, or a related field. You could still become a genetic counselor if you already have a bachelor's degree with a different major. There are not necessarily specific bachelor's degree majors required to enter a genetic counseling program. -
2
Get a master's degree
A master's degree in genetic counseling is essential. Apply for and enter an accredited program in genetic counseling. Most master's degrees last two years of full-time study and include courses in molecular genetics, counseling ethics, and research methods. You'll also get clinical training experience and will usually be required to complete a research project. -
3
Take the genetic counselor exam
The American Board of Genetic Counseling offers an exam twice a year. You can take it at specific testing centers or remotely around the world. The computer-based exam includes 200 questions. You have four hours to complete the Certified Genetic Counselor® Examination (CGC). The exam costs $900 for first-time applicants and $800 for repeat applicants. -
4
Earn certification
The CGC exam scores on a scale of 200-800. Any score of 600 or above is a pass and demonstrates the knowledge and skills for competence in the field. After passing, you will earn the certified genetic counselor credential, an internationally recognized credential that positions you as a specialist in the field. -
5
Maintain certification
Medicine is constantly advancing, so genetic counselors must recertify every 5-10 years, depending on their initial certification date. You can take the certification exam again or complete 12.5 continuing education units (CEUs) or a number of professional activity credits (PACs). While certification is technically voluntary, the majority of employers require certification.
Genetic Counselor Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), genetic counselors earned a median salary of $89,990 per year as of 2022, just over $43 per hour. Genetic counselors can work in various settings, but hospitals, physicians’ offices, outpatient care centers, university medical centers, and diagnostic laboratories are the most common.
A 2020 survey from the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGN) notes the average genetic counselor salary for a full-time position was $94,957, up to $224,000, with certain specialty areas and experience. Those in non-direct patient care positions earned an average of 50% more than those in direct patient care positions.
According to BLS data, genetic counselors working in outpatient centers earned the highest median wage in 2022, $110,800. For all genetic counselors, the BLS reports a much faster-than-average 16% increase in genetic counseling jobs from 2022-2032.
Pros and Cons of Being a Genetic Counselor
As with any career, there are pros and cons to being a genetic counselor. It's important to weigh these benefits and drawbacks before entering the field.
Pros
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Fast job growth
According to BLS data, genetic counselor positions are projected to grow 16% from 2022-2032. -
Salary
Starting salaries for genetic counselors are above average. -
Flexible work environments
You can choose to work in a hospital, clinic, outpatient center, or office, allowing you to choose an environment that suits you. Also, around 18% of genetic counselors can work part time for scheduling flexibility. -
Meaningful work
Helping families diagnose, predict, and prevent debilitating genetic disorders can be a rewarding career. -
Requires a master's degree
Becoming a genetic counselor requires less time in school than other medical professions, allowing you to start working sooner.
Cons
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Constant changes in the field
Because genetic research is evolving, you'll need to take continuing education courses to stay current and maintain certification. -
Some diseases are difficult to detect
Genetic counselors may face wrong diagnoses or confusing test interpretations as some genetic mutations are virtually undetectable. -
Emotionally draining
Genetic counselors frequently have to deal with high emotions that could lead to sadness and stress. -
Lower salary than other medical fields
Compared to becoming a doctor or certain nursing specializations, the maximum earnings for genetic counselors are lower.
