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Genetic Counselor Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Edited by Indeed Employer Content Team
Last updated November 6, 2025
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4 min read

A genetic counselor, or genetic nurse, uses data and analysis to investigate patient DNA and assess the risk of genetically inherited conditions. Their duties include providing genetic testing, determining hereditary disease risk factors and educating and counseling patients and families.

Genetic counselor duties and responsibilities

Genetic counselors work with multiple medical disciplines, including pediatrics, cardiology and neurology, to:

  • Get informed consent from patients and discuss their options
  • Assess histories and counsel patients on hereditary information discovered
  • Help families understand their family medical history, discuss risks and make recommendations
  • Document case details in patient files and ensure confidentiality
  • Provide educational material and recommendations to patients
  • Oversee execution of necessary research protocols and record maintenance
  • Work on acquiring program funding and other administrative tasks
  • Train and supervise health care professionals

Hire your next Genetic Counselor today.

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Genetic Counselor Job Description Examples

Example 1

We are seeking a Genetic Counselor to join our OB/GYN Division. The position presently includes prenatal, preconception and cancer genetic counseling. With two OBGYN/Medical Geneticist physicians, our team is focused on progress within the genetics community and is eager to incorporate new technologies and ideas into our standard practice.

  • Position: Full Time - Genetic Counselor
  • Specialty: OB/GYN
  • Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
  • Hourly Pay: $30.00 - $50.00 (Depending on experience & education)

MAJOR Accountabilities/Critical Responsibilities:

  • Demonstrates and maintains current knowledge of general genetic principles, including inheritance patterns, as well as in depth knowledge of cancer and prenatal genetics, including testing options.
  • Able to conduct an evidence based genetic counseling session that includes thorough risk assessment and patient centered communication regarding the risks, benefits, and limitations of available testing options.
  • Appropriately and comprehensively documents all aspects of patient care, including the genetic counseling session and follow-up.
  • Coordinates and monitors genetic testing from ordering through results disclosure.
  • Ensures that genetic test results are available to the patient and referring provider.
  • Maintains an understanding of the current legal and ethical implications of genetic testing, including GINA and CURES Act, and incorporates into practice.
  • Maintains applicable databases.
  • Contributes effectively and in a meaningful way to the genetics division and larger healthcare team.
  • Serves as a resource to other healthcare professionals and to the community.
  • Willing to serve as a genetic counseling student clinical rotation supervisor.
  • Complies with NSGC Code of Ethics.
  • Maintains active Connecticut genetic counseling license.
  • Complies with departmental/organizational policies and procedures and adheres to external agency requirements.
  • Fulfills all responsibilities in a timely and effective manner.

Qualifications/Requirements:

  • Masters degree through an ABGC certified Genetic Counseling program
  • ABGC certification or board eligibility
  • Possession of a Connecticut genetic counseling license or acceptable qualification to obtain a Connecticut license

Patient Population Served:

  • Adolescent (13-17 years)
  • Adult (18-64 years)
  • Geriatric (65 plus years)

To apply for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and qualifications.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $30.00 - $50.00 per hour

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
Medical specialties:
  • Ob/Gyn
Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Monday to Friday



Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Greenwich, CT: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Education:
  • Master's (Preferred)

Experience:
  • Genetic counseling: 1 year (Preferred)
  • OB/GYN: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:
  • American Board of Genetic Counseling Certification Location: In person

Example 2

Children s Specialty Group (CSG) and Children s Hospital of The King s Daughters (CHKD) is seeking a dynamic, self-motivated, and highly organized genetic counselor to join our multi-disciplinary team of geneticists, genetic counselors, metabolic dietician, and genetic counseling assistant.

Responsibilities:
  • Genetic counselor will establish genetic counseling agenda with patients and their family
  • Assist in psychosocial genetic counseling regarding genetic hereditary conditions Coordinate, administer, and deliver genetic counseling to patients and families at risk for genetic or hereditary disorders or inborn errors of metabolism. Assess recurrence risks, and recommend and order genetic testing based on analysis of risks, benefits, and costs.
  • Collaborate with physicians regarding patient care and management.
  • Participate in patient evaluations. Review implications with patient and provide crisis intervention regarding unexpected results and outcomes.
  • Provide training and supervision to volunteers, interns, students, and other learners as appropriate. Educate other healthcare professionals regarding patient referrals and care.
  • Opportunities to participate in multidisciplinary clinics with award-winning departments and in activities to improve quality of patient care and experiences.
  • Opportunities for research, publications and collaborations locally, nationally, and internationally.

Qualifications:
  • Board certified or board eligible in Genetic Counseling
  • Licensed in Virginia (or able to obtain a license within a year of hire)
  • Master s degree from an ABGC accredited genetic counseling program

We offer a competitive salary with great benefits, including 401k matching, flexibility, and a high level of genetic counselor independence with opportunities for counselors to further develop their own clinical interests.

Children s Specialty Group, PLLC (CSG) provides pediatric care to patients from southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. CSG is a physician owned group whose mission is to provide direct high-quality healthcare to children and adolescents, train future physicians, and conduct research to improve children s health. We are the sole provider of medical specialty care at Children s Hospital of The King s Daughters (CHKD), which is the only free standing pediatric hospital in Virginia.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
Medical specialties:
  • Pediatrics

Education:
  • Master's (Required)

License/Certification:
  • board certification in Genetic Counseling Location: One location

Example 3

Position Summary: Provides genetic education, counseling, and support to patients and/or families in Maternal Fetal Medicine, who may be at risk of having or have been diagnosed with a high-risk pregnancy. Works as part of a multidisciplinary team including Maternal Fetal Physicians, OB Providers, and nursing to identify patients at risk of inherited genetic mutations or familial syndromes.

Position Requirements:

Education: Master s Degree (M.S.) from a graduate program accredited by the American Board of Genetic Counseling program (A.B.G.C.).

Certification: Certification by the American Board of Genetic Counseling preferred or must attain certification within two years of hire. State License required.

Special Skills: Effective analytical, organization, written and verbal communication skills with a variety of people under stressful circumstances with diplomacy and tact. High level of interpersonal skills for interacting with all levels of professionals within and outside the organization.

Experience: Extensive understanding of the Perinatal population. One year resent counseling experience in perinatal counseling preferred.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $36.96 per hour

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Parental leave
  • Referral program
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Vision insurance
Medical specialties:
  • Ob/Gyn
Schedule:
  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday



Education:
  • Master's (Required)

Experience:
  • counseling in perinatal counseling: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:
  • American Board of Genetic Counseling Certification (Preferred)
  • State License? Location: In person

Example 4

Sarasota Memorial Hospital-Sarasota Campus, with our flagship 895-bed, acute-care hospital and 8-story Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute Oncology Tower,is the only hospital in Sarasota County providing obstetrical services, pediatrics, Level III neonatal intensive care, psychiatric services for patients of all ages and a Level II Trauma Center. Sarasota Memorial is powered by more than 8,500 staff, making us Sarasota County s largest employer.

Job Summary: Demonstrates mastery of the specific knowledge and skills required for a specialty area of Human Genetics. Responsible and accountable for the development and application of standards and evidence-based practice to enhance the quality of care to the patient and family. As a self-directed, advanced practitioner, the primary function is that of an expert practitioner with essential education, consultant, researcher and managerial role components.

Required Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in Genetic Counseling
  • Board Certified Medical Genetics or Board eligible

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Prefer a minimum of one (1) year of experience in clinical genetic counseling

Mandatory Education:

  • Master's Degree

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $90,000.00 - $141,000.00 per year

Benefits:
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Relocation assistance
  • Retirement plan
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Vision insurance
Schedule:
  • Day shift

Education:
  • Master's (Required)

License/Certification:
  • Board Certified Medical Genetics Location: One location

Example 5

Genetic Counselor: We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Genetic Counselor with an understanding of Counseling Standards and Best Practices and knowledge of professional regulation and facility/program accreditation requirements to join our team. Key responsibilities include:

The Genetic Counselor responsibilities include:

  • Performing interpretation and analysis of genetic test results
  • Providing guidance to laboratory staff regarding genetic testing and interpretation and maintaining collaborations with internal and external partners to facilitate specialty genetic testing
  • Leading the development of high-quality resources to colleagues on genetic testing
  • Ensuring the laboratory is up to date with advances in genetics and genomics and applying knowledge in clinical content
  • Participating in development of genetic testing policies and procedures
  • Ordering and collecting data using appropriate assessment techniques, relevant supporting diagnostic information and diagnostic procedures where indicated
  • Assisting the lab director to lead development of new genetic tests and integration of new technologies
  • Interpreting and communicating results to team members and external collaborators
  • Staying up to date with the latest methods and technologies in genetic analysis
  • Improving data infrastructure for future data analysis
  • Collaborating with laboratory staff to develop high throughput data processing and analysis capability
  • Communicating/presenting experimental data effectively and regularly to others during project meetings and scientific reviews
  • Establishing project milestones and ensuring that the resources assigned are adequate to meet program objectives
  • Planning, coordinating and providing statistical analyses, summaries and reports for internal research
  • Providing regular input and ideas for programmatic and personal growth and development
  • Keeping current on applicable scientific literature

Requirements:

  • Bachelor/Master's Degree in Genetic Counseling or a related field
  • Must hold or be in the process of obtaining a full or temporary license to practice Genetic Counseling in the state where work is being performed; Certified Genetic Counselor (CGC) credential must be obtained within 12 months of hire**
  • Comprehensive knowledge of both clinical and molecular genetics and genomics
  • Experience working with large-scale genomic data sets
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills
  • Critical thinking skills to necessary to perform risk assessment
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Experience with scientific writing

All tasks and duties must be completed in accordance and compliance with HIPAA guidelines, State and Federal laws, and current company policies and procedures.

In developing this job description, care was taken to include all competencies needed to successfully perform in this position. However, for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) purposes, the essential functions of the job may or may not have been described for purposes of ADA reasonable accommodation. All reasonable accommodation requests will be reviewed and evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

TruDiagnostic is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday



Education:
  • Bachelor's Location: In person

Example 6

Job Title: Genetic Counselor - Maternal Fetal Medicine

Company: VHC Health

Arlington, VA

Employment Type: Part Time

Schedule:Monday - Friday from 8AM to 1PM

VHC Health is seeking a dedicated and experienced Genetic Counselor to join our Maternal Fetal Medicine team. As a Genetic Counselor at VHC Health, you will have the opportunity to work in a collaborative and supportive environment, providing essential genetic counseling services to patients and their families as part of the maternal fetal medicine program. This position has the potential to become full time within the year. Ideal candidates will have interest in growing the genetic counseling services at VHC Health in the areas of hereditary cancer and/or cardiology.

Responsibilities:
  • Conduct genetic risk assessments and provide counseling to patients and families regarding genetic conditions and birth defects
  • Collaborate and communicate with the maternal fetal medicine team to develop comprehensive care plans for patients
  • Coordinate genetic testing and interpret the results for patients and their families
  • Educate patients, families, and healthcare providers about genetic conditions and available resources
  • Stay updated on industry advancements and best practices in genetic counseling

Qualifications:
  • Master’s degree in Genetic Counseling or related field
  • Board certification or board-eligible as a Genetic Counselor
  • Experience in maternal fetal medicine or prenatal genetic counseling preferred
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary healthcare team
  • Knowledge of current genetic testing technologies and resources

Benefits:
  • Competitive salary and benefits package
  • Supportive work environment with a focus on work-life balance
  • Access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources for patient care

If you are passionate about providing patient-centered care and making a difference in the field of genetic counseling, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity to join the VHC Health team.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter to Alejandra Ferrel, Healthcare Recruiter, via e-mail [website]

Job Type: Part-time

Expected hours: 25 per week

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Employee discount
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Parental leave
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Vision insurance
Schedule:
  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday



Education:
  • Master's (Preferred)

Experience:
  • Genetic counseling: 1 year (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:
  • Arlington, VA 22205: Relocate before starting work (Required)


Work In person

Example 7

Job Description

1 Diamond Hill Road Berkeley Heights

150 Park Avenue Florham Park

Essential Job functions:
  • Create, develop and implement specialized clinical practice in the specific area of clinical genetics.
  • Work independently and function as part of a medical genetics team under the supervision of a medical geneticist.
  • Gather and review pertinent medical records and preparation for clinic visit.
  • Take a family pedigree and medical history and interpretation of same.
  • Participate in clinical evaluation of patient.
  • Provide information about the medical genetic diagnosis, etiology, inheritance patterns, and risk of occurrence and reoccurrence.
  • Provide information about available reproductive options and prenatal diagnosis where appropriate.
  • Prepare case summaries and genetic counseling letter.
  • Coordinate scheduling of appointments for general, specialty and outreach genetics clinics.
  • Train and supervise graduate genetic counseling students in their clinical experiences.
  • Advise and consult with local and national lay organizations and community support groups through participation on boards, advisory councils and national meetings.
  • Conduct research in the field of genetic counseling.

General Job functions:
  • Other job duties as required

Physical Job Requirements:
  • Physical mobility, which includes movement from place to place on the job, taking distance and speed into account.

Blood-borne Pathogens:
  • Exposure to infectious hazards, blood, body fluids, non-intact skin or tissue specimens.
  • Contact with patients or patient specimens are possible.
  • Unplanned or unexpected exposure.

Education, Certification, Computer and Training Requirements:
  • Master's degree required.
  • 2-4 years experience required.
  • American Board of Medical Genetics (ABMG) certification required.
  • Ability to communicate in English, both orally and in writing required.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills required.
  • Strong Psychological Counseling Skills required.
  • Strong Multi - tasking, organizing & priority setting skills required.
  • Ability to work in a complex, emotional and stressful environment required.
  • Experience with Standard Office Equipment (Phone, Fax, Copy Machine, Scanner, Email/Voice Mail) preferred.
  • Experience with Standard Office Technology in a Window based environment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $8.00 - $39.00 per hour

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift

Experience:
  • Customer service: 1 year (Preferred)

Shift availability:
  • Day Shift Location: One location

Example 8

Please apply directly on our web site at [website]

Summary

Provides risk management and genetic counseling to individuals and families with increased risk of genetic conditions.

Education/Experience:

Master's degree in Genetics Counseling. Board certification is preferred, or be eligibility to obtain certification in Genetic Counseling.

Essential Duties AND Responsibilities

Obtains developmental, pregnancy, and extensive family history information.

Provides recurrence risk evaluation for single gene disease, multi-factorial conditions, chromosome abnormalities and disorders with complex inheritance.

Counsels families in which a child has been diagnosed with a genetic disorder, regarding the natural history, features/symptoms, pathology and prognosis of the condition. Provides emotional support to these families.

Supplies families with literature and disease specific support group information and other resources.

Counsels individuals regarding adult onset genetic disorders.

Organizes DNA and other types of genetic testing for patients and extended families. Reviews results with patients and families.

When appropriate, make referrals for additional services.

Participates in several local family support groups. Attends conferences and continuing education offerings.

Provides lectures to community groups, health care professionals, and EVMS medical school students and residents.

Performs other duties as assigned.

EVMS is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer of minorities, females, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans and is a drug and tobacco free workplace.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $72,429.00 - $94,158.00 per year

Benefits:
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Parental leave
  • Professional development assistance
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance
Medical Specialty:
  • Ob/Gyn
Schedule:
  • 8 hour Location: One location

Example 9

Genetic Counselor

The Private Diagnostic Clinic (PDC) of Duke Health is the world-class, multi-specialty physician practice comprised of 140 clinics located throughout North Carolina. The PDC recruits the top physicians and employees and retains them by offering competitive salaries and benefits and a supportive work environment where passion and purpose connect.

To learn more about our culture, visit: [website]

We are seeking a Genetic Counselor for the Duke Eye Center in Durham, NC, as there are more than 250 genes implicated in inherited retinal dystrophies, genetic counselors are greatly needed to help patients sort through the uncertainty of genetic testing.

WE Invite YOU TO APPLY IF:
  • You are compassionate, patient, and have top notch interpersonal skills needed to effectively explain procedures and walk patients through complicated processes.
  • You are detail oriented, conscientious and take pride in ensuring accuracy in your work.
  • You are collaborative and excited to be part of a care team.

JOB Duties
  • Provide Genetic Counseling to Inherited Retinal Disease patients and their family members
  • Obtain and interpret patient pedigree/medical history and order genetic testing as appropriate
  • Identify genetic mutations and associated inheritance patterns related to vision conditions
  • Provide posttest counseling to assist patients and their families regarding retinal genetic diagnosis, etiology, inheritance patterns and risk of reoccurrence
  • Train and supervise graduate genetic counseling students in their clinical experiences
  • Conduct research in the field of retinal genetic counseling
  • Delegate tasks to other licensed/ unlicensed clinical staff
  • Communicate protocol specific touchpoints to clinical and research patients

Required Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Genetic Counseling from an American Board of Genetics Counseling (ABGC) accredited program
  • Board Certification or eligible by the American Board Of Genetic Counselors (ABGC).

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Durham, NC 27705: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Education:
  • Master's Location: One location

Example 10

ABOUT US: Scripps Research is ranked the most influential institution in the world for its impact on innovation. We expand basic knowledge in the biosciences, and use these fundamental advancements to develop profound innovations that improve wellbeing. Our educational and training programs mold talented and committed students and postdocs into leading edge scientists. Scientists in the institute's five academic research departments work hand-in-hand with researchers of the Scripps Research Translational Institute and Calibr to merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs to better human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

Position TITLE: Genetic Counselor Clinical Trial Specialist*

*Position Summary:
The Genetic Counselor-Clinical Trial Specialist will coordinate the launch and execution of digital clinical trials at the intersection of genetics, bioinformatics, digital health, and behavioral sciences. The individual will work with a team of programmers, computational biologists, genetics researchers, physicians, and industry partners investigating the use of genetic information in precision medicine initiatives. The primary role of this individual will be to operationalize digital trials and follow up with study participants. This includes developing digital study support materials for study participants, coordinating study recruitment, acting as the primary point of contact for study participant queries, ensuring collection of study results, and communicating study results.

*Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Interface with a software development team to further develop and maintain the study smartphone application.
  • Quality test and troubleshoot study application to improve platform usability.
  • Develop digital media support materials to guide study participant activities.
  • Coordinate and drive study recruitment through multi-channel communications.
  • Follow-up with study participants for outcomes data collection.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for study participant questions, including those regarding the implications of polygenic risk scores.
  • Maintain the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
  • Communicate results to the genetics community.

*Requirements:
  • Master's Degree or higher, preferably in Genetic Counseling or some other closely related biological science or discipline, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
  • Project management experience is preferred
  • Experience in research environment is preferred
  • Prior genetic counseling certification is preferred
  • Demonstrated written, verbal, presentation and computer skills, the latter requiring knowledge of and skill using applications such as MS Office, Adobe Acrobat, and knowledge of web-based data bases.
  • Related experience in an academic or scientific non-profit institutional setting preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to interact positively with and manage varied technical and non-technical personalities in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
  • Must possess a high degree of self-reliance, flexibility, and initiative.

*Physical Requirements: May include stationary position for an extended period of time, traverse campus/facility as needed, operate machinery such as computer, phone, copy machine; lab equipment; exposure to cold or hot temperatures.

The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms. The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of TSRI, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of TSRI staff.

*Compensation: Salary is commensurate with experience.

*EEO Statement:
Scripps is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

*COVID-19 update:
The safety and well-being of our candidates, our people and their families continues to be a top priority. Until restrictions change, interviews will be conducted Type: Full-time
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What does a genetic counselor do?

A genetic counselor is a specialist who provides families with information about the genetic conditions that affect them. They work across several specialties. Healthcare professionals refer patients to these scientists during certain milestones in their medical journey.

Individuals planning for pregnancy will have tests to determine which conditions run in the family that may affect the fetus. If no tests were completed before conception, one is done during the pregnancy to check for any abnormalities or other detected problems.

If those tests are normal but the child shows signs of a disorder, doctors will refer the parents to a genetic counselor for screening, and if an individual has symptoms of a hereditary condition, the counselor can run a test to check for certain markers.

Genetic counselor skills and qualifications

A successful genetic counselor candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications, such as:

  • Comprehensive knowledge of human genetic disorders and defects
  • Excellent communication skills to distill complex information, results and diagnoses to patients in terms they can digest
  • Ability to use independent and impartial judgment when managing patient data and privacy
  • Ability to apply counseling methods and techniques to help families to cope and manage potential outcomes
  • Professionalism and emotional stability to handle difficult cases while providing families with proper care instructions and support recommendations
  • Excellent, detailed writing skills to provide detailed information to the referring physician
  • Management skills for supervising, advising and training clinical professionals and students
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to develop and present workshops and programs

    Genetic counselor experience requirements

    Genetic counselors need to have experience in research practices and methods, from developing questions to publishing their findings. As experts, they create quality research in subjects, such as birth defects and genetic screenings, and add to the growing knowledge base of the genetic counseling practice and other aspects of the discipline.

    Genetic counselor education and training requirements

    Genetic counselor candidates must have a master’s degree in genetic counseling or an equivalent discipline from an institution accredited by and in good standing with the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC).

    Their graduate coursework requires clinical training internships that provide them with knowledge about all aspects of the practice, including genetic screening, counseling ethics and molecular genetics.

    While they do work across various disciplines, some counselors may choose to specialize in a particular area, such as neurology or pediatrics, or they can remain generalists. A certification exam is required after they finish their program. Upon passing the exam, they become a Certified Genetic Counselor (CGC). Licensing is required to work as a CGC in most states, although licensing renewal and continuing education requirements vary from state to state.

    Job description samples for similar positions

    If a genetic counselor is not quite what you’re looking for, check out these similar positions:

    Genetic counselor job description FAQs

    What’s the difference between a geneticist and a genetic counselor?

    Both genetic counselors and medical geneticists are clinical disciplines, making them similar. The main difference is that while genetic counselors will help patients with making the testing decisions, geneticists make the diagnosis because they’re trained medical doctors with a specialization.

    What are the expected working conditions?

    Genetic counselors typically work a standard 40-hour workweek indoors in a lab setting with little or no need to do work off-site. They don’t need to be on call and don’t have to work evenings or weekends unless the client load is heavy. They interact with patients and medical staff regularly.

    What technology does a genetic counselor use?

    Apart from computer and word processing software, some of the technology they require include Deoxyribonucleic sequence analyzers for DNA sequence analysis, benchtop centrifuges for separating samples and analytical or scientific software to read results.

    What are the continuing education requirements?

    There are two types of CEUs. Category 1 are the activity organizers CEUs and should be at least 60% of recertification credits. Category 2 credits are attendee CEUs. These continuing education units must be preapproved by specific accreditation bodies, such as the ABGC.  

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    Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

    Hire your next Genetic Counselor today.

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