Genetic counselor

Research and provide the following about the genetic counselor

Duties and responsibilities: Genetic counselors work at hospitals, universities, laboratories and private clinics. They are trained to analyze genetic data and communicate risk factors to patients and their families. A family history of cancer, muscular dystrophy or cystic fibrosis might cause an individual to seek genetic counseling. Tasked with identifying potential predispositions for physical and mental diseases and disorders, genetic counselors are trained in the following:

·       Analyze patient histories

·       Provide genetic testing

·       Perform genetic risk calculations

·       Educate families about potential health risks

·       Help patients to cope with a diagnosis

Salary:$49,646- $65,168

Education: Those interested in the field must complete a master's degree program in genetic counseling. Due to the small number of accredited programs, graduate schools often have a highly selective admission process. Students can prepare for admission with undergraduate courses in chemistry, biology, genetics and psychology. Schools may require or strongly recommend paid or volunteer experience prior to enrolling in the professional program. Graduate program coursework requires clinical training through internships where students learn about the following:

·       Molecular genetics

·       Genetic screening

·       Counseling ethics and techniques

·       Research methods

·       Prenatal diagnosis

·       Population studies

·       Birth defects

Answer: do you think you would like to be a genetic counselor? Why? Why not?

I wouldn’t be a genetic counselor because that’s not what I want to be when I grow up…..