Genetic Counselors

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.

Tasks Include:

Analyze genetic information to identify patients or families at risk for specific disorders or syndromes.
Explain diagnostic procedures such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS), ultrasound, fetal blood sampling, and amniocentesis.
Provide genetic counseling in specified areas of clinical genetics, such as obstetrics, pediatrics, oncology and neurology.
Assess patients' psychological or emotional needs, such as those relating to stress, fear of test results, financial issues, and marital conflicts to make referral recommendations or assist patients in managing test outcomes.
Provide counseling to patient and family members by providing information, education, or reassurance.
Determine or coordinate treatment plans by requesting laboratory services, reviewing genetics or counseling literature, and considering histories or diagnostic data.
Discuss testing options and the associated risks, benefits and limitations with patients and families to assist them in making informed decisions.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™; US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)

Projections Quick View:

Virginia: No Data

National: +16.1%

Education

Master's Degree

Job Zone:

Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Income Range:

Highest ($50,000 and up)

Median Earnings:

National

$95,770.00

State

$87,510.00

Regional

Genetic Counselors

Description

Career Cluster:

Health Science

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Genetic Counselors

Education

Required Level of Education

Master's Degree = 100%

Related Work Experience

None = 60.87%
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 17.39%
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 13.04%
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 8.70%

On-Site or In-Plant Training

None = 52.17%
Up to and including 1 month = 21.74%
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 8.70%
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 8.70%
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 4.35%
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 4.35%

On-the-Job Training

Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month = 34.78%
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 21.74%
None or short demonstration = 17.39%
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 8.70%
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 8.70%
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 4.35%
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 4.35%

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Genetic Counselors

Tasks

Core Tasks Include:

Analyze genetic information to identify patients or families at risk for specific disorders or syndromes.
Explain diagnostic procedures such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS), ultrasound, fetal blood sampling, and amniocentesis.
Provide genetic counseling in specified areas of clinical genetics, such as obstetrics, pediatrics, oncology and neurology.
Assess patients' psychological or emotional needs, such as those relating to stress, fear of test results, financial issues, and marital conflicts to make referral recommendations or assist patients in managing test outcomes.
Provide counseling to patient and family members by providing information, education, or reassurance.
Determine or coordinate treatment plans by requesting laboratory services, reviewing genetics or counseling literature, and considering histories or diagnostic data.
Discuss testing options and the associated risks, benefits and limitations with patients and families to assist them in making informed decisions.
Interpret laboratory results and communicate findings to patients or physicians.
Interview patients or review medical records to obtain comprehensive patient or family medical histories, and document findings.
Provide patients with information about the inheritance of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and various forms of cancer.
Refer patients to specialists or community resources.
Write detailed consultation reports to provide information on complex genetic concepts to patients or referring physicians.
Design and conduct genetics training programs for physicians, graduate students, other health professions or the general community.
Collect for, or share with, research projects patient data on specific genetic disorders or syndromes.
Engage in research activities related to the field of medical genetics or genetic counseling.
Evaluate or make recommendations for standards of care or clinical operations, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, ethics, legislation, or policies.
Identify funding sources and write grant proposals for eligible programs or services.
Read current literature, talk with colleagues, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in genetics.
Prepare or provide genetics-related educational materials to patients or medical personnel.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Genetic Counselors

Tools and Technology

Tools Include:

Deoxyribonucleic sequence analyzers (Automated deoxyribonucleic acid DNA sequencers)
Ultracentrifuges (Benchtop ultracentrifuges)
Cryostats
Darkfield microscopes (Differential interference microscopes)
Fluorescent microscopes
Gel documentation systems
Ultracentrifuges (High speed centrifuges)
Microplate readers
Personal computers
X ray radiography examination equipment (Phosphor imagers)
Benchtop centrifuges (Table top centrifuges)
Ultracentrifuges

Technologies Include:

Analytical or scientific software

FTree
Pedigree drawing and management software

Data base user interface and query software

Database software
FileMaker Pro software
Microsoft Access

Internet browser software

Internet browser software

Medical software

Benetech PRA
BRCAPRO
Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool
CancerGene
CyrillicSoftware Cyrillic
Jurek Software Pedigree-Draw
Medgen PED
PedHunter
PediDraw
Progeny Software Progeny Clinical
SynDiag
Wageningen MapChart

Presentation software

Microsoft PowerPoint

Spreadsheet software

Microsoft Excel

Word processing software

Microsoft Word

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Genetic Counselors

Special Requirements

Genetic counselors can be certified through the American Board of Genetic Counseling and the National Society of Genetic Counselors.

American Board of Genetic Counseling:

Genetic counselors typically have a Master´s Degree from a graduate program specifically accredited to prepare individuals for a career as a genetic counselor who provides genetic counseling services. The training is specialized and includes coursework and hands-on supervised clinical experiences.

The coursework includes instruction in the following general content areas:

· human, medical and clinical genetics

· psychosocial theory and techniques

· social, ethical and legal issues

· health-care delivery systems and public health principles

· teaching techniques

· research methods

The supervised experiences expose students to the natural history, management and psychosocial issues associated with common genetic conditions and birth defects. It is important develop their genetic counseling skills in a variety of clinical genetics settings. It is important that students also obtain experience in teaching, laboratory methods and research.

The Importance of Accreditation and Certification

Accreditation establishes and maintains criteria for graduate-level education and clinical training of genetic counselors. ABGC recognizes programs in the US and Canada that demonstrate their graduates have achieved the knowledge and skills necessary to provide competent genetic counseling services.

Certification by ABGC in indicated by the acronym CGC® and ensures that an individual is qualified to provide genetic counseling services. The certification process includes verification of specialized training, documentation of clinical experiences and successfully passing both a comprehensive general genetics and genetic counseling examination.

National Society of Genetic Counselors:

The information below is a general summary of points that programs in genetic counseling are often asked about in applications submitted by individuals interested in graduate education in genetic counseling. The information here should only be used as a GENERAL guideline:

GPA and GRE SCORES:

Programs are looking for students that have a well-balanced application. GPA and GRE scores are indications of past academic performance and potential graduate school success. In general, successful applicants have a minimum GPA of 3.0. GRE scores in the 70th percentile range or above are considered competitive. Some programs require the GRE specialty exams as well.

ADVOCACY EXPERIENCE:

Advocacy experiences are an important aspect of the application. Advocacy experiences usually allow the applicant to obtain training in interpersonal and communication skills as well as providing an opportunity to work with the public and people in a one-to-one setting. There are numerous avenues in which qualified applicants have obtained advocacy experiences. These include, but certainly are not limited to, volunteering with a crisis hotline service, working with a pregnancy center, volunteering at shelters for domestic violence or homeless individuals, working with individuals with mental or physical disabilities, providing respite care or working in research settings interviewing participants. These are only a few such experiences that allow the applicant to appreciate the needed communication skills to work with individuals from many different backgrounds. To find advocacy opportunities in your local communities, look to the yellow pages, local hospitals, and university voluntary service organizations.

SHADOWING EXPERIENCE and INTERNSHIPS:

Observing and/or interning with a genetic counselor is always an ideal. Genetic counselors listed in the Resource Link may offer internship opportunities or be aware of various community organizations of interest. If, however, you are unable to intern with a genetic counselor, you should at least interview several counselors to obtain an understanding of their roles and responsibilities.

PERSONAL STATEMENT:

This is one of the most important aspects of your application. Your personal statement allows admissions committee members an opportunity to get to know who you are and what your goals and vision are for your professional career. This is your opportunity to tell genetic counseling programs what you know about genetic counseling, why the profession interests you and what experiences you have had to help you learn about and foster your interest in a career in genetic counseling. Please note and follow any specifications that programs have regarding length and format of the statement.

LETTERS of RECOMMENDATION:

Letters of recommendation are a crucial part of the application. Thus, choosing the appropriate persons to write letters of reference should be a priority. Letters should come from individuals who will be able to address academic capabilities, employment or volunteer performance, leadership skills, character and potential as a graduate student and professional. Undergraduate students should consider professors, academic advisors, and supervisors at employment or volunteer activities as the best sources for letters of recommendation. If it has been a few years since graduation, in addition to a reference from a professor or academic advisor, having a current employer or supervisor speak to your capabilities and performance would also be very appropriate. Individuals whose letters may not carry the same weight as those listed above are family friends or fellow students. Admissions committees may not see these individuals as being able to provide an objective assessment. Finally, many institutions provide forms to be completed by individuals providing recommendations. While forms and checklists are useful, additional written comments are usually the most helpful. If possible, ask your references to provide written comments.

ADDITIONS to the APPLICATION:

If you have been involved in any publications, thesis projects, relevant presentations or other related activities, it is important to list these on your application. Some programs may welcome copies of these materials for review. A resume or curriculum vitae (CV) may also be helpful in drawing attention to your activities, awards and other strengths.

For More Information, Contact:

American Board of Genetic Counseling
ABGC
PO Box 14216
Lenexa, KS 66285
Phone: 913.895.4617
Fax: 913.895.4652
http://www.abgc.net/ABGC/AmericanBoardofGeneticCounselors.asp
[email protected]

National Society of Genetic Counselors
401 N. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: 312.321.6834
Fax: 312.673.6972
http://www.nsgc.org/
[email protected]

The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet291)

Genetic Counselors

Knowledge

%	Subject	Description
94.50	Biology	Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
89.25	Psychology	Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
84.75	Medicine and Dentistry	Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
83.75	Therapy and Counseling	Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
77.25	English Language	Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
71.75	Customer and Personal Service	Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
67.50	Mathematics	Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
59.75	Sociology and Anthropology	Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
58.75	Education and Training	Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Genetic Counselors

Skills

%	Subject	Description
78.00	Reading Comprehension	Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
75.00	Active Listening	Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
75.00	Complex Problem Solving	Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
72.00	Writing	Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
72.00	Speaking	Talking to others to convey information effectively.
72.00	Critical Thinking	Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
72.00	Active Learning	Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
72.00	Social Perceptiveness	Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
56.25	Judgment and Decision Making	Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
56.25	Science	Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
53.00	Instructing	Teaching others how to do something.
53.00	Service Orientation	Actively looking for ways to help people.
53.00	Systems Analysis	Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
53.00	Time Management	Managing one's own time and the time of others.
50.00	Learning Strategies	Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
50.00	Monitoring	Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
50.00	Coordination	Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
50.00	Persuasion	Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
50.00	Negotiation	Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
50.00	Systems Evaluation	Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Genetic Counselors

Abilities

%	Subject	Description
81.25	Written Comprehension	The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
78.00	Deductive Reasoning	The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
75.00	Oral Comprehension	The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
75.00	Oral Expression	The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
75.00	Written Expression	The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
75.00	Problem Sensitivity	The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
75.00	Inductive Reasoning	The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
72.00	Information Ordering	The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
72.00	Speech Recognition	The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
68.75	Speech Clarity	The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
59.50	Near Vision	The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
53.00	Fluency of Ideas	The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
53.00	Originality	The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
53.00	Category Flexibility	The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
53.00	Mathematical Reasoning	The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
53.00	Flexibility of Closure	The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
50.00	Selective Attention	The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Genetic Counselors

Work Activities

%	Subject	Description
93.50	Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge	Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
93.50	Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others	Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
92.00	Getting Information	Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
85.75	Documenting/Recording Information	Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
85.75	Assisting and Caring for Others	Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
81.50	Working with Computers	Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
80.50	Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships	Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
79.25	Communicating with People Outside the Organization	Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
78.25	Making Decisions and Solving Problems	Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
78.25	Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
76.00	Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work	Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
72.75	Processing Information	Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
70.75	Analyzing Data or Information	Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
69.50	Performing for or Working Directly with the Public	Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
66.25	Training and Teaching Others	Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
65.25	Providing Consultation and Advice to Others	Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
59.75	Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
59.75	Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards	Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
59.75	Performing Administrative Activities	Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
56.50	Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People	Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
51.00	Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
50.00	Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others	Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Genetic Counselors

Work Styles

%	Subject	Description
93.50	Concern for Others	Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
92.50	Integrity	Job requires being honest and ethical.
91.00	Attention to Detail	Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
85.75	Self-Control	Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
83.75	Cooperation	Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
83.75	Dependability	Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
82.50	Initiative	Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
78.25	Analytical Thinking	Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
76.00	Stress Tolerance	Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
75.00	Adaptability/Flexibility	Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
72.75	Independence	Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
70.75	Social Orientation	Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
68.50	Achievement/Effort	Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
67.50	Persistence	Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
67.50	Leadership	Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
50.00	Innovation	Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Genetic Counselors

Work Values

%	Subject	Description
83.33	Relationships	Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
66.67	Achievement	Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
66.67	Recognition	Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
61.17	Working Conditions	Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
61.17	Independence	Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
55.50	Support	Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Genetic Counselors

Work Context

%	Subject	Description
100.00	Telephone	How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
100.00	Electronic Mail	How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
100.00	Face-to-Face Discussions	How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
92.80	Letters and Memos	How often does the job require written letters and memos?
91.40	Contact With Others	How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
88.60	Importance of Being Exact or Accurate	How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
86.00	Indoors, Environmentally Controlled	How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
86.00	Spend Time Sitting	How much does this job require sitting?
83.40	Deal With External Customers	How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?
80.80	Freedom to Make Decisions	How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
80.80	Frequency of Decision Making	How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
79.20	Structured versus Unstructured Work	To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
78.20	Work With Work Group or Team	How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
78.20	Time Pressure	How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
74.80	Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results	What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
65.20	Level of Competition	To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
65.20	Consequence of Error	How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable?
58.20	Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People	How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?
57.40	Physical Proximity	To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?
55.40	Coordinate or Lead Others	How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
53.00	Frequency of Conflict Situations	How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?
52.20	Public Speaking	How often do you have to perform public speaking in this job?
51.40	Importance of Repeating Same Tasks	How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?
50.40	Exposed to Disease or Infections	How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Genetic Counselors

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Overall Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Job Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Examples
- These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, physician assistants, and veterinarians.
Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Genetic Counselors

Earnings Benefits*

Region	Entry Level	Median	Experienced
United States	$72,530.00	$95,770.00	$108,090.00
Virginia	$78,460.00	$87,510.00	$98,750.00

Region	Entry Level	Median	Experienced
Alexandria/Arlington	No Data	No Data	No Data
Bay Consortium	No Data	No Data	No Data
Capital Region Workforce Partnership	No Data	No Data	No Data
Central VA/Region2000	No Data	No Data	No Data
Crater Area	No Data	No Data	No Data
Greater Peninsula	No Data	No Data	No Data
Hampton Roads	$85,380.00	$87,510.00	$89,840.00
New River/Mt. Rogers	No Data	No Data	No Data
Northern Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data
Piedmont Workforce	No Data	No Data	No Data
Shenandoah Valley	No Data	No Data	No Data
South Central	No Data	No Data	No Data
Southwestern Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data
West Piedmont	No Data	No Data	No Data
Western Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data

* Earnings Calculations:

Regional Earnings:
   Entry = Annual mean of the lower 1/3 wage distribution;
   Experienced = Annual mean of the upper 2/3 wage distribution.

National and State Earnings:
   Entry = Annual 10th percentile wage;
   Experienced = Annual 75th percentile wage.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)

Genetic Counselors

Employment Projections

USA: 2023-2033

Virginia: 2022-2032

Regions: 2020-2030

	Current	Projected	% Change
United States	3,500	4,100	+16.1%
Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data

Region	Current*	Projected	% Change
Alexandria/Arlington	No Data	No Data	No Data
Bay Consortium	No Data	No Data	No Data
Capital Region Workforce Partnership	No Data	No Data	No Data
Central VA/Region2000	No Data	No Data	No Data
Crater Area	No Data	No Data	No Data
Greater Peninsula	No Data	No Data	No Data
Hampton Roads	No Data	No Data	No Data
New River/Mt. Rogers	No Data	No Data	No Data
Northern Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data
Piedmont Workforce	No Data	No Data	No Data
Shenandoah Valley	No Data	No Data	No Data
South Central	No Data	No Data	No Data
Southwestern Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data
West Piedmont	No Data	No Data	No Data
Western Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data

* - Estimated

The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)

Genetic Counselors

Related Occupations

The related occupations here have similar general capabilities and interests; career explorers may also be interested in the related occupations:

Careers in Therapeutic Services Pathway:

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Genetic Counselors

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: New York State Department of Labor; New Jersey Department of Labor; California Occupational Information Coordinating Committee; CareerOneStop. (Using onet291)

Genetic Counselors

Proficiency Ratings

These proficiencies are scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being not
important to the job and 5 being extremely important to the job.

Proficiency	Rating
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge	4.5
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others	4.5
Getting Information	4.5
Documenting/Recording Information	4.5
Assisting and Caring for Others	4.5
Working with Computers	4.5
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships	4.0
Communicating with People Outside the Organization	4.0
Making Decisions and Solving Problems	4.0
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	4.0
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work	4.0
Processing Information	4.0
Analyzing Data or Information	4.0
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public	4.0
Training and Teaching Others	3.5
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others	3.5
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	3.5
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards	3.5
Performing Administrative Activities	3.5
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People	3.5
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	3.0
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others	3.0
Coaching and Developing Others	3.0
Thinking Creatively	3.0
Scheduling Work and Activities	3.0
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others	2.5
Developing Objectives and Strategies	2.5
Developing and Building Teams	2.5
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates	2.5
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information	2.0
Staffing Organizational Units	2.0
Selling or Influencing Others	1.5
Monitoring and Controlling Resources	1.5
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials	1.5
Handling and Moving Objects	1.5
Performing General Physical Activities	1.5
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment	1.5
Controlling Machines and Processes	1.0
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment	1.0
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment	1.0
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment	1.0

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Genetic Counselors

Titles

Cancer Genetic Counselor
Certified Genetic Counselor
Chromosomal Disorders Counselor
Genetic Counselor
Hereditary Cancer Program Coordinator
Mitochondrial Disorders Counselor
Pediatric Genetic Counselor
Prenatal and Pediatric Genetic Counselor
Prenatal Genetic Counselor
Reproductive Genetic Counseling Coordinator

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Genetic Counselors

Related Schools

Virginia Commonwealth University

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)