Genetic  Counselor

Duties and Responsibilities: A genetic counselor informs patients on how genetics have affected their life. A genetic counselor can also inform a family on their heritage and how their heredity can affect their lives. A genetic counselor will also tell you which diseases you are at risk of getting based on your family history. The National Society of Genetic Counselors officially defines genetic counseling as the understanding and adaptation to the medical, psychological and familial implications of genetic contributions to disease. This process integrates:

·        Interpretation of family and medical histories to assess the chance of disease occurrence or recurrence.

·        Education about inheritance, testing, management, prevention, resources

·        Counseling to promote informed choices and adaptation to the risk or condition.

Salary: $49,000-$64,000

Education: A master’s degree in genetic counseling is required to become a genetic counselor. Prior volunteer work is encouraged to have before you begin getting your masters.

Would you like to be a Genetic Counselor?

I wouldn't want to be a genetic counselor because it doesn’t interest me. To me this career seems boring.