Where do genetic counselors work?

Genetic counselors work in hospitals, clinics, outpatient centers, physicians’ offices, university medical centers, and diagnostic laboratories. Some genetic counselors are also privately employed by companies involved in genetic research, such as private practices or laboratories. Some genetic counselors provide general patient care, while others choose a specialization such as cardiology, neurology, oncology, pediatrics, or prenatal care.

Is it hard to become a genetic counselor?

Whether becoming a genetic counselor is difficult depends on your individual strengths and interests. Becoming a genetic counselor requires an accredited bachelor's and master's degree. You also need to pass a certification exam and maintain accreditation. Genetic counseling combines interpersonal counseling skills with science and medicine to interpret test results and advise patients. It can be an interesting, rewarding career.

Which state do genetic counselors make the most money?

Genetic counselors make the most money in California, where the average salary was $131,800 in 2022, per BLS. However, the cost of living is also higher in California, so the average salaries for most careers are higher. According to BLS data, other states with high average salaries for genetic counselors were Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, and Colorado.

Is there a high demand for genetic counselors?

Yes, there is a high demand for genetic counselors, and BLS data suggests that trend will continue. The Bureau projects 600 new genetic counselor positions will open up year over year, representing a 16% increase in employment in the field from 2022-2032. With increasing interest in genetics and genetic history, including at-home tests like 23andMe, it's reasonable to expect that the demand for genetic counselors will continue to grow.

Is genetic counseling a stressful job?

Genetic counseling can be personally rewarding but also stressful. With the flexibility to work part time, it's not a stressful career for everyone, but it certainly can be. Genetic counselors often face patients with high emotions and disappointing outcomes that could add to work-related stress. In addition, the education and certification requirements in genetic counseling are quite intensive, potentially adding stress from student loans or debt.

Job Profile: Genetic Counselor

Updated on May 16, 2024

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Genetic counseling can be personally fulfilling, and positions are in high demand. Find the pros and cons of becoming a genetic counselor, plus how to enter the field.

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.

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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.

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

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

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.