Genetic Counselors
Because…you don’t have to make all these decisions on your own!
Occupational Description
Genetic Counseling is a dynamic, challenging and rapidly growing subspecialty within the field of human genetics. Genetic counseling is a communication process by which information and support is provided to families who have members with birth defects or genetic disorders and to families who may be at risk for a variety of inherited conditions. These counselors identify families at risk, interpret information about the disorder, analyze inheritance patterns and risks of recurrence, and review available options with the family.
Genetic counselors also provide supportive counseling to families, serve as patient advocates and refer individuals and families to community or state support services. They serve as educators and resource people for other health care professionals and for the general public. Some counselors also work in administrative capacities. Many engage in research activities related to the field of medical genetics and genetic counseling. The genetic counseling process ultimately facilitates informed decision-making and promotes behaviors that reduce the risk of disease.
Genetic counselors are certified by the American Board of Medical Genetics (ABMG) and the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC). Genetic counselors work as members of a health care team and may work with medical geneticists, perinatologists, nurses, social workers, and laboratory personnel.
Genetic counselors may work in a variety of settings including:
- Prenatal
- Pediatric
- Adult
- Specialty Clinics (such as Cancer, Cardiovascular, Ophthalmology)
- Public Health
- Human Genetics Research
- Public Policy
- Biotechnology industry
- Human Genetics Education
Personal Skills & Characteristics
People interested in counseling should have a strong desire to help others and should be able to inspire respect, trust, and confidence. They should be able to work independently or as part of a team. Counselors must follow the code of ethics associated with their respective certifications and licenses, something particularly important in the often-controversial realm of human genetics studies.
Counselors must possess high physical and emotional energy to handle the array of problems that they address. As in other health-related occupations, empathy, understanding, and the desire to help others are good qualities for dealing effectively with patients.
Prospective genetic counselors should be excited by genetics and the opportunities it will provide and be interested in the health care system, as well as have good communication skills, a desire to work with people, empathy, and the ability to be independent and life-long learners.
Employment
The genetic counseling profession is rapidly expanding and diversifying. Heightened public awareness, coupled with scientific advances in adult disorders and reproductive technologies, have increased the demand for genetic counselors in clinical, teaching, administrative, commercial, private practice and consulting environments. This trend is expected to continue well into the 21st century and beyond.
Based on the 2006 Professional Status Survey put forth by the NSGC, the majority of genetic counselors work in a university medical center or a private or public hospital/medical facility. Many also work in diagnostic laboratories, physician’s private practices, or health maintenance organizations. Most common specialty areas based on survey results were prenatal, cancer genetics, pediatric, adult, and specialty diseases. The majority of genetic counselors surveyed (84%) report working primarily in a clinical role, followed by teaching/education (55%), clinical coordination (28%), and research (27%).
Earnings
There is a wide income range among practicing genetic counselors. In the 2006 Professional Status Survey, the yearly gross salaries reported by survey respondents ranged from $20,000 to $150,000, with an average of $58,975. This is a nine percent increase from 2004. There is notable variance between different regions of North America and between years respondents have been involved in the genetic counseling profession. The average salary appears to be highest in the region that includes Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and British Columbia. Also, different practice areas will lead to salary differences.
Planning Ahead
Genetic counseling and human genetics programs may have specific course requirements, so it is important to plan ahead to make sure you complete all the necessary prerequisites. You will also want to start gaining some hands-on clinical experiences with patients in health care settings or in the field of genetic counseling/human genetics as early as possible in your college career. The Career Center has a team of pre-heath counselors to help students with a preparation and application timeline that fits their circumstances. Appointments may be scheduled with a pre-health counselor by calling 734/764-7460 or stopping by the office at 3200 Student Activities Building.
Educational Requirements
There are 33 ABGC accredited graduate programs in Genetic Counseling in the US and 3 in Canada.
Most programs look for course work preparation in the sciences that includes genetics, statistics, and biochemistry. Training or a background in Psychology is also helpful. For general genetic counseling program requirement questions contact a pre-health academic advisor in LSA. For school specific questions, contact the schools directly.
According to the ABG, 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 for students to develop their genetic counseling skills in a variety of clinical genetics settings and to obtain experience in teaching, laboratory methods and research.
Testing
Most ABGC certified programs require the GRE for admission into the program. Check each individual school to verify testing requirements.
Preparation Beyond The Classroom
To gain a better understanding of what genetic counseling entails, students should pursue various ways to gain exposure to and experience in the field. Check out the NSGC or the ABGC websites for contact information of registered genetic counselors. Teaching, tutoring and counseling experience can be helpful.
Advocacy (often through volunteer experiences) is a very important skill to demonstrate as a prospective genetic counselor. This experience could be with a community-based agency such as a crisis intervention program, Planned Parenthood, a domestic violence program, or a hospice program. Good experiences could also include working as a resident advisor or student advisor.
Connect with U of M alumni for informational interviewing, networking, or job shadowing. Visit Alumni Networks at http://career.umalumni.com/
Consider connecting with the UM Genetic Counseling Program.
Application Process Overview
There are 36 ABGC accredited Genetic Counseling programs in the United States and Canada. In order to apply and learn about each school’s application requirements and to access online applications, visit the individual school’s website.
Reference Letters
Most programs require at least two reference letters. Applicants may consider collecting letters from professors, persons involved in health care, employers, research and health-related volunteer supervisors. If at all possible, try to secure a letter from a genetic counselor or health-related professional. Policies for letters of reference vary from school to school so be sure to check requirements with each individual school.
The Career Center’s Reference Letter Service (RLS) offers University of Michigan students and alumni/ae the opportunity to have letters of reference on file to use in support of their employment and continuing education efforts. Open a reference letter file with the RLS.
Personal Statement Information
Most genetic counseling programs require at least one essay regarding your background and your desire to pursue genetic counseling. Check each school’s admission page to learn what essays are required. If you need assistance getting started on your personal statement or would welcome feedback on your draft, please schedule an appointment at The Career Center by stopping by the front desk or calling 734/764-7460.
Interviews
Some genetic counseling programs may require a personal interview for admission. Others offer optional interviews or do not have an interview process. Check each school’s admission page for specific information. If you do need help with interview preparation, you can gather interview tips through available literature and interview programs sponsored by The Career Center. Schedule a videotaped mock interview at The Career Center, 3200 SAB (734/764-7460) to gain practice and confidence.
Resources To Learn More
Links to Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement. General information on genetic counseling as a career is available from:
National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC)
www.nsgc.org
American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC)
www.abgc.net
American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG)
www.ashg.org
University of Michigan Genetics Counseling Program (UM-GCP)
www.hg.med.umich.edu/gcweb
Michigan Association of Genetic Counselors, Inc.
www.magcinc.org
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