Genetic Counseling as a Career
A genetic counselor is a health care professional who is academically and clinically prepared to provide genetic counseling services to individuals and families seeking information about the occurrence, or risk of occurrence, of a genetic condition or birth defect.
The genetic counseling process involves the collection and interpretation of family, genetic, medical and psychosocial history information. Analysis of this information, together with an understanding of genetic principles and the knowledge of current technologies, provides clients and their families with information about risk, prognosis, medical management, and diagnostic and prevention options. Information is discussed in a client-centered manner while respecting the broad spectrum of beliefs and value systems that exist in our society. The genetic counseling process ultimately facilitates informed decision-making and promotes behaviors that reduce the risk of disease.
Genetic counselors practice as part of a health care team. Some examples of the types of settings genetic counselors work include: hospitals and medical centers, public health agencies, colleges and universities, diagnostic laboratories and biotechnology companies, research institutions, private practice and governmental agencies.
How to become a Genetic Counselor
Genetic counselors typically have a Master´s Degree from a graduate program specifically accredited to prepare individuals for a career as a genetic counselor who provides genetic counseling services. The training is specialized and includes coursework and hands-on supervised clinical experiences.
The coursework includes instruction in the following general content areas:
- human, medical and clinical genetics
- psychosocial theory and techniques
- social, ethical and legal issues
- health-care delivery systems and public health principles
- teaching techniques
- research methods
The supervised experiences expose students to the natural history, management and psychosocial issues associated with common genetic conditions and birth defects. It is important develop their genetic counseling skills in a variety of clinical genetics settings. It is important that students also obtain experience in teaching, laboratory methods and research.
The Importance of Accreditation and Certification
Accreditation establishes and maintains criteria for graduate-level education and clinical training of genetic counselors. ABGC recognizes programs in the US and Canada that demonstrate their graduates have achieved the knowledge and skills necessary to provide competent genetic counseling services.
Certification by ABGC in indicated by the acronym CGC® and ensures that an individual is qualified to provide genetic counseling services. The certification process includes verification of specialized training, documentation of clinical experiences and successfully passing both a comprehensive general genetics and genetic counseling examination.
Additional Information about Careers in Genetic Counseling
Additional information about careers in genetic counseling is available through the National Society of Genetic Counselors (www.nsgc.org).