Genetic Counselors

What is a Genetic Counselor

Genetic Counselors are specialized health professionals. Their main job is to help families who have children with genetic defects. They provide information regarding the nature of the defect such as how it is contracted or what it does to the body. They investigate the family and see where this started and who has it.



Genetic Counselor education.

Genetic Counselors must have a Masters Degree from one of the many Graduate Programs. Genetic Counselors must study subjects such as psychosocial theory, ethics and counseling. They also must participate in clinical training. They can only become certified when the clinical training has been doccumented and completed.



Job information

Genetic Counselors can work in many different areas. They can work directly with the families by giving information regarding the disease to the family. They can also work in the laboratory to refer doctors to patients and vice versa, or they can work in the area dealing with research. They will be researching information on the families and the nature of the disease.