1. Applied Research Project
Laura Davids

2. Genetic Counseling
“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 decision-making and coping methods for those at risk. May help conduct research related to genetic conditions or genetic counseling.”
Job Description from O*Net

3. Education 100% of genetic counselors have their Master’s degree
Two year graduate school program
University of South Carolina Genetic Counseling Program
$24,832 total
Emory University Genetic Counseling Program
$55,466 total

4. Columbia, South Carolina
Salary: $64,000 annual, $5,333 month
Rent: $972.00
Energy Utilities: $178.74
Doctor Visit: $85.00
Groceries: $100
Sales Tax: 8%
Income Tax: 7%
Disposable Income: around $3,000 per month

5. Atlanta, Georgia Salary: $64,000 annual, $5,333 month Rent: $944.00
Energy Utilities: $151.70
Doctor Visit: $99.90
Groceries: $125
Sales Tax: 8%
Income Tax: 6%
Disposable Income: around $3,000 per month

6. Columbia versus Atlanta
Graduate School
University of South Carolina Genetic Counseling Program
First Job
Atlanta
Comparable expense of living, slightly higher but negligible
Would prefer social and aesthetic aspects of Atlanta

7. Comparable Allied Health Fields
Genetic Counselor- $64,000
Physician’s Assistant- $92,970
Occupational Therapist- $76,940
Registered Nurse- $66,220
Physical Therapist- $81,03
Registered Dietician- $55,920
All of these fields in the Allied HealthCare field have bright future outlooks or high projected job availabilities in the future, as well as similar levels of necessary education.

8. Resources http://money.cnn.com/calculator/pf/cost-of-living/
calculator.aspx/bestplaces.net