1. Careers in Genetic Counseling
Katie Farmer, MS, CGC
Certified Genetic Counselor
Tallahassee Memorial Hospital

2. Definition of Genetic Counseling
Genetic counseling is the process of helping people understand and adapt 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 and research.
Counseling to promote informed choices and adaptation to the risk or condition.
National Society of Genetic Counselors

3. Activities in which Genetic Counselors Engage
Provide information and support 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.
Identify families at risk, investigate the problem present, interpret information about the disorder, analyze inheritance patterns and risks of recurrence and review available options with the family.

4. Activities in which Genetic Counselors Engage
Genetic counselors practice in the following areas of specialty:
Prenatal
Pediatric
Cancer Genetics
Adult
Laboratory

5. Activities in which Genetic Counselors Engage
Prenatal Example:
Ms. Roberts is a 28 year old woman. She is 17 weeks pregnant and this is her first pregnancy. She has a routine blood test at her OB’s office. She is told that it screens for Down syndrome and some other conditions. A week after the test ,she receives a call from the nurse saying she came back “screen positive” for trisomy 18. The nurse tells her the chance her baby has trisomy 18 is 1 in 100. She is referred to a genetic counselor.

6. Activities in which Genetic Counselors Engage
Role of a Prenatal GC
Review results of screening test
Obtain pregnancy and family history
Explain the cause and features of trisomy 18
Discuss further testing options
Facilitate decision making
Follow-up with further testing results
Use counseling skills to help patient cope with test results
Locate support resources for patient

7. Activities in which Genetic Counselors Engage
Pediatric GC Example:
Emily is a 2 year old girl who was born with profound hearing loss. She is the only individual in her family with hearing loss. She was recently evaluated by an ENT to consider cochlear implants. The ENT recommended that she have a Genetics evaluation to understand the cause of her hearing loss.

8. Activities in which Genetic Counselors Engage
Role of a Pediatric GC
Work closely with a medical geneticist
Review medical records
Obtain pregnancy, medical and family history
Discuss known causes of hearing loss
Discuss testing options
Coordinate testing
Counsel regarding test results and recurrence risk
Provide written information
Identify appropriate community resources

9. Activities in which Genetic Counselors Engage
Cancer GC Example:
Mary is a 48 year old woman who is referred to a genetic counselor because her sister was recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer at age 52. Her father and paternal grandmother were also diagnosed with breast cancer at ages 58 and 45 respectively. Mary tells you her sister has a mutation in the BRCA2 gene.

10. Activities in which Genetic Counselors Engage
Role of a Cancer GC
Obtain medical records and relative’s test results as appropriate
Obtain family and medical history
Pedigree analysis
Discuss features and genetics of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (BRCA)
Discuss risks and benefits of genetic testing
Review cancer risks and options for risk reduction
Arrange for testing if desired and follow-up counseling

11. Organizations or Businesses that Employ Genetic Counselors
Majority of genetic counselors
work at:
University medical centers
Private or public hospitals
Some genetic counselors:
Work in laboratories
Coordinate research studies
Are employed by the state
Work in private industry

12. Graduate Training Needed to become a Genetic Counselor
Master’s degree in Genetic Counseling
2 year degree programs
Graduate coursework
Clinical Rotations
Thesis/Capstone Project

13. Graduate Training Needed to become a Genetic Counselor

14. Certifications or Additional Training Needed to become a Genetic Counselor
Certification from the American Board of Genetic Counseling
Sit for board exam usually within a year of graduation
Must maintain appropriate amount of continuing education units (CEUs) every 5 years to keep certification (otherwise you take the exam again)

15. Employment Opportunities for Genetic Counselors
NSGC 2012 Professional Status Survey

16. Salaries Genetic Counselors Earn
NSGC 2012 Professional Status Survey

17. Flexibility in Working Conditions for Genetic Counselors
Most jobs are full time, but part time positions are available
Many industry jobs (working with laboratories) allow for working remotely
Some level of travel is required with many of these positions
Professional attire is required

18. Skills & Experiences Undergrads Should Acquire if Interested in Genetic Counseling
Each program has its own requirements
Check multiple program web sites for more information (
Prerequisite coursework typically includes:
One year of general biology
One year of general chemistry
One semester of biochemistry
One semester of genetics
One semester of statistics
In general, successful applicants have a minimum GPA of 3.0

19. Skills & Experiences Undergrads Should Acquire if Interested in Genetic Counseling
- Volunteer experience
Crisis counseling hotlines and Planned Parenthood
Experience working with individuals with special needs
- Shadow a genetic counselor
NSGC – Find a counselor (
- GRE
GRE scores at and above 70th percentile range are considered competitive
Some programs require GRE specialty exams as well
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal statement

20. Most Rewarding Aspect of being a Genetic Counselor
Opportunity to work with patients/families
Provide information and support to help individuals adapt to what can be difficult situations
Exciting field that is always progressing/evolving

21. Biggest Drawback of being a Genetic Counselor
Must be mindful of burnout
Navigating health insurance system for patients is not always easy

22. Website Recommendations for students interested in Genetic Counseling
American Board of Genetic Counseling
Accredits genetic counseling training programs and administers certification for genetic counselors
Has links to all training program websites
National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC)
Professional Society
Has information on how to find a GC near you
Has information about genetic counseling as a career