Genetic Counselors

What the job really is

Assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. Provide information to other healthcare providers or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions. Advise individuals and families to support informed decisionmaking and coping methods for those at risk. May help conduct research related to genetic conditions or genetic counseling.

At a glance

• Sector: Healthcare Practitioners
• O*NET-SOC code: 29-9092
• O*NET job zone: 5 — extensive preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Interpret laboratory results and communicate findings to patients or physicians.
• Discuss testing options and the associated risks, benefits and limitations with patients and families to assist them in making informed decisions.
• Analyze genetic information to identify patients or families at risk for specific disorders or syndromes.
• Provide counseling to patient and family members by providing information, education, or reassurance.
• Write detailed consultation reports to provide information on complex genetic concepts to patients or referring physicians.
• Provide genetic counseling in specified areas of clinical genetics, such as obstetrics, pediatrics, oncology and neurology.
• Determine or coordinate treatment plans by requesting laboratory services, reviewing genetics or counseling literature, and considering histories or diagnostic data.
• Interview patients or review medical records to obtain comprehensive patient or family medical histories, and document findings.
• Assess patients' psychological or emotional needs, such as those relating to stress, fear of test results, financial issues, and marital conflicts to make referral recommendations or assist patients in managing test outcomes.
• Provide patients with information about the inheritance of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and various forms of cancer.
• Read current literature, talk with colleagues, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in genetics.
• Prepare or provide genetics-related educational materials to patients or medical personnel.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Automated deoxyribonucleic acid DNA sequencers, BRCAPRO, Benchtop ultracentrifuges, Benetech PRA, Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool, CancerGene

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Psychiatrists
• Family Medicine Physicians
• Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
• Pediatricians, General
• Clinical Nurse Specialists
• Neurologists
• Cardiologists
• Pediatric Surgeons

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 5 (extensive preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Genetic Counselors — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.