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What does a Genetic Counselor do?

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Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A genetic counselor is a professional who helps people understand and cope with the implications of genetic disorders. Genetic counselors work with families to assess the risk of inherited conditions and help them make informed decisions about their health care.

Genetic Counselor job duties include:

  • Obtain patient history and perform initial assessment
  • Educate patients and families about genetic conditions
  • Order and interpret genetic tests
  • Counsel patients on test results and risk factors
  • Develop treatment and management plans for patients with genetic conditions
  • Refer patients to other specialists as needed
  • Provide support to patients and families dealing with a genetic diagnosis
  • Keep abreast of new developments in the field of genetics
  • Conduct research on genetic conditions

Genetic Counselor Job Requirements

A genetic counselor is a health professional with specialized training in medical genetics and counseling. Genetic counselors work with individuals and families who have, or may be at risk for, genetic disorders. They provide information and support to help people make informed decisions about their health.

Most genetic counselors have a master’s degree in genetic counseling or a related field, such as biology, genetics, or public health. To become a genetic counselor, you must complete an accredited genetic counseling training program and pass a national certification exam. Some states also require genetic counselors to be licensed.

Genetic counselors typically work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices. They may also work in research laboratories or for companies that provide genetic testing services.

Genetic Counselor Skills

  • Patience
  • Communication
  • Active Listening
  • Empathy
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Organizational
  • Time Management
  • Writing
  • Research
  • Detail Oriented

Related: Top Genetic Counselor Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Genetic Counselor

A career as a genetic counselor can be very rewarding. Genetic counselors help people understand and cope with the implications of genetic disorders. They provide information and support to families who are affected by genetic disorders.

To become a genetic counselor, you will need to earn a master’s degree in genetic counseling or a related field. Most programs take two to three years to complete. You will also need to pass a national certification exam.

Once you have earned your degree and passed the certification exam, you will be able to work as a genetic counselor in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and research laboratories.

Related: Genetic Counselor Resume Example

Related: Genetic Counselor Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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