Genetic Counselor
Assess genetic risks, interpret test results, and counsel patients on hereditary conditions and family planning decisions.
| Median Salary | $98,910 per year |
| Job Growth (10yr) | +29%Excellent |
| Education | Master's Degree |
| Time to Start | 6-8 years |
Work Settings
- •University medical centers
- •Hospitals and academic medical centers
- •Private physicians' offices and specialty clinics
- •Diagnostic laboratories
- •Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies
- •Research institutions
- •Public health departments
- •Telehealth platforms
Primary Duties
- •Conduct comprehensive risk assessments by analyzing personal and family medical histories
- •Construct detailed pedigrees to visualize genetic inheritance patterns
- •Select appropriate genetic tests and obtain informed consent from patients
- •Interpret complex genetic test results and explain findings to patients and families
- •Provide counseling on genetic conditions, inheritance patterns, and recurrence risks
- •Guide patients through healthcare decisions and family planning options
- •Document patient interactions, test results, and care plans in electronic medical records
- •Coordinate care with multidisciplinary healthcare teams including physicians and specialists
How to Become Genetic Counselor
Complete bachelor's degree with prerequisites
Focus on biology, genetics, biochemistry, psychology, and statistics. Gain advocacy, counseling, and shadowing experience.
Duration: 48 months
Gain relevant experience
Shadow genetic counselors, volunteer in healthcare settings, participate in research, and gain counseling or advocacy experience.
Duration: 24 months
Complete ACGC-accredited master's program
Full-time program combining coursework in medical genetics and counseling with extensive supervised clinical rotations.
Duration: 24 months
Pass ABGC certification examination
Prepare for and pass the 4-hour, 200-question board certification exam offered twice yearly.
Duration: 6 months
Obtain state licensure
Apply for state license where required, which may include background checks and provisional practice period.
Duration: 3 months
Begin professional practice
Start as Junior Genetic Counselor and advance through career ladder with experience and continuing education.
Duration: 24 months
Continuing Education
ABGC certification must be renewed every five years through completion of continuing education units and professional development activities. You'll need to stay current with rapidly advancing genomic technologies, new genetic discoveries, and evolving clinical guidelines. Many genetic counselors pursue additional credentials in specialized areas, attend the NSGC Annual Conference, complete webinars and short courses, and some obtain advanced degrees like PhDs, MBAs, or additional clinical certifications to advance their careers.
Certifications & Licenses
- •Certified Genetic Counselor (CGC) from American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) - Required
- •State licensure (required in most states)
- •Canadian Board of Genetic Counselling (CBGC) certification for Canadian practice
Citations
- Bureau of Labor Statistics - Genetic Counselors ↗
- National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) ↗
- American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) ↗
- Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC) ↗
- Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors (CAGC) ↗
- American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) ↗