As researchers learn more about genetic disorders, people have more access than ever to information about heritable medical issues. For example, today, pregnant women can opt for testing that can indicate whether their child might be born with a condition such as Down syndrome or Tay-Sachs disease.
While such information is becoming increasingly available, some people wonder whether they truly want to know about potential risks and what they should do if they do find that they are susceptible to a particular health issue. Faced with such questions, many people turn to a genetics counselor for advice.
What Does a Genetics Counselor Do?
Prospective parents might consult a genetics counselor to determine if they want to find out if their potential offspring might be at risk for being born with an inherited disorder. Genetics counselors also help people determine if they want to know their own risk of developing a genetic condition such as heart disease or breast cancer.
Genetics counselors also work alongside other healthcare professionals, including doctors, geneticists, nurses, and social workers. The goal is to help individuals and families make informed decisions about their health and to assist clients in finding the services that best serve their needs.
During a session with a client, a genetics counselor might:
Gather a family history, including past health problems, surgeries, and family illnessesExplain how genetic disorders are passed downDiscuss risk factors and the likelihood that a particular condition will reoccur within a familyRecommend diagnostic testsExplain the results of genetic testsDiscuss congenital disorders and describe environmental variables that can cause such conditionsExplore treatment optionsCounsel clients experiencing emotional distressRefer clients to other healthcare professionals and community resources
In the past, genetics counselors primarily worked in prenatal areas. Today, we know more about the human genome than ever before, so it is possible to better determine a person’s risk of developing a specific health condition.
People working in this field may also counsel people at risk of developing inherited diseases later in life, such as breast cancer or heart disease. Further, genetics counselors are sometimes hired by pharmaceutical companies to help screen potential participants in clinical drug trials.
Who Needs a Genetics Counselor?
The National Library of Medicine suggests a number of different reasons to seek out genetics counseling, including:
A family history of inherited health problems and disordersUltrasound or screening tests suggesting that a disorder may be presentBecoming pregnant after age 35Already having a child with a genetic disorderExperiencing repeated miscarriages, stillbirths, or infant deaths
Training and Educational Requirements for Genetics Counselors
To become a certified genetics counselor in the United States, you must have a minimum of a master’s degree in genetics counseling from an accredited U.S. program. Most states and employers also require that you pass examinations administered by the American Board of Genetic Counseling.
As part of their training, students learn about inherited diseases, the types of tests available, and preventative steps that people can take to minimize their risk. Prior to entering an accredited master’s program, many students opt to earn undergraduate degrees in subjects such as psychology, biology, social work, public health, genetics, or nursing.
Benefits of Being a Genetics Counselor
The U.S. News Best Job Report of 2020 ranks genetics counselors as #2 for best healthcare support jobs and #25 on the list of top jobs overall. Helping people understand their options and explore their healthcare options can be very rewarding.
Downsides of Being a Genetics Counselor
In many cases, your clients may be facing very difficult and painful decisions. Counseling people in such situations can feel meaningful, but it can also be very stressful and emotionally draining.
Promotions can be limited. Once you have become a counselor, you are likely to stay in the same position over the course of your career unless you choose to move into another position, such as becoming a professor or pharmaceutical consultant.
