Genetic Counselors

What Does a Genetic Counselors Do?

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 decisionmaking and coping methods for those at risk. May help conduct research related to genetic conditions or genetic counseling.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• 1Interpret laboratory results and communicate findings to patients or physicians.
• 2Discuss testing options and the associated risks, benefits and limitations with patients and families to assist them in making informed decisions.
• 3Analyze genetic information to identify patients or families at risk for specific disorders or syndromes.
• 4Provide counseling to patient and family members by providing information, education, or reassurance.
• 5Write detailed consultation reports to provide information on complex genetic concepts to patients or referring physicians.
• 6Provide genetic counseling in specified areas of clinical genetics, such as obstetrics, pediatrics, oncology and neurology.
• 7Determine or coordinate treatment plans by requesting laboratory services, reviewing genetics or counseling literature, and considering histories or diagnostic data.
• 8Interview patients or review medical records to obtain comprehensive patient or family medical histories, and document findings.

Required Skills

• Reading Comprehension
• Active Listening
• Writing
• Speaking
• Critical Thinking
• Active Learning
• Benetech PRA
• BRCAPRO
• Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool
• CancerGene
• CyrillicSoftware Cyrillic
• Database software
• FileMaker Pro
• Ftree
• Jurek Software Pedigree-Draw
• Medgen PED

Genetic Counselors Salary