#16. Genetic Counselors
2015 Median pay: $72,090
per year ($34.66 per hour)
Job
Outlook: Employment of optometrists is projected to grow 29 percent
from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Genetic
counselors are professionals who have specialized education in genetics and
counseling to provide personalized help patients may need as they make
decisions about their genetic health. Genetic counselors identify specific genetic disorders or
risks through the study of genetics. A genetic disorder or syndrome is
inherited. For parents who are expecting children, counselors use genetics to
predict whether a baby is likely to have hereditary disorders, such as Down
syndrome and cystic fibrosis, among others. Genetic counselors also assess the
risk for an adult to develop diseases
Counselors identify these conditions
by studying patients’ genes through DNA testing. Medical laboratory
technologists perform lab tests, which genetic counselors then evaluate and use
for counseling patients and their families. They share this information with
other health professionals, such as physicians. For more information, see the
profiles on medical and clinical laboratory technologists and
technicians and physicians and surgeons.
According to a 2014 survey from the National
Society of Genetic Counselors, approximately three-fourths of
genetic counselors work in traditional areas of genetic counseling: prenatal,
cancer, and pediatric. The survey noted that the number of specialized fields
for genetic counselors has increased. More genetic counselors are specializing
in fields such as cardiovascular health, genomic medicine, neurogenetics, and
psychiatry.
Education:
Genetic counselors
typically need a master’s degree in genetic counseling or genetics.
Coursework in genetic
counseling includes public health, epidemiology, psychology, and developmental
biology. Classes emphasize genetics, public health, and patient empathy.
Students also must complete clinical rotations, during which they work directly
with patients and clients. Clinical rotations provide supervised experience for
students, allowing them to work in different work environments, such as
prenatal diagnostic centers, pediatric hospitals, or cancer centers.
In 2014, there were 31
master’s degree programs in the United States that were accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling.
Here is the directory of programs:
The American Board of Genetic
Counseling provides certification for genetic counselors. To
become certified, a student must complete an accredited master’s degree program
and pass an exam. Counselors must complete continuing education courses to
maintain their board certification.
As of 2015, 20 states
required genetic counselors to be licensed, and other states have pending
legislation for licensure. Certification is typically needed to get a license.
For specific licensing requirements, contact the state’s medical board.
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