Duties
and Responsibilities:
A
genetic counselor is a professional who helps people make decision based upon
genetic information. They also help determine if they at risk of developing a genetic
disease, like: heart disease and breast cancer.
Genetic counselors work with doctors, geneticists,
nurses and social workers. They goal is to help individuals and families to make
decisions about their health and help them find services that will supply their
needs.
During a session with a genetic counselor he/she might:
·
Gather family history, past health problems, surgeries and family
illnesses
·
explain how genetic diseases/disorders
are passed down
·
Recommended that you and your family have diagnostics tests
·
Explain the results of genetic tests
·
Explore treatment options
·
Refer clients to other health specialists and community resources
Genetic counselors primarily work in prenatal
areas and are sometimes hired by pharmaceutical companies.
Salary:
$65,500-$77,900
Educational
Requirements:
In order
to become a genetic counselor, you must have a minimum of master’s degree in genetics
counseling from the accredited U.S. program. Must pass examinations
administered by the American Board of Genetic Counseling.
Students will learn about inherited diseases,
the types of tests available and prevention steps to minimize their risk. Many
students opt to earn undergraduate degrees in subjects like psychology,
biology, social work, public health, genetics and nursing.
Choose
the Right!!
I don’t think I would like to be a genetic counselor
because I wouldn’t like to give families or an individual bad news that they
have a genetic disorder or disease.