U.S. News & World Report recently named genetic counselor as one of the top careers of 2009. This is quite remarkable considering that a few short years ago genetic testing was more closely aligned with science fiction than real life. Today, though, more and more people use genetic testing to assess their health risk and plan their families. However, they could not even begin to cope with the results of a DNA test were it not for genetic counselors.
Who Visits Genetic Counselors
Many people seek a genetic counselor prior to undergoing a DNA test. A counselor can assess an individual, or in many cases a couple planning a family, and see if their family history warrants a genetic test. Those with a history of hereditary illness or predisposition for diseases like cancer are the best candidates for a test.
Following a test, clients see a counselor to help understand and cope with their results. In the event that a test reveals a predisposition for a medical problem, an individual may want to start taking preventative measures. At the very least, he or she will probably want more information to help them make the right choices. Similarly, parents who discover their future children have a high potential for a problem may want to reconsider their options. Finally, the toughest job a counselor often has is with clients who are pregnant. A test of a fetus may reveal the baby has a serious problem and the counselor's job is to help them decide what the next step is.
What Genetic Counselors Do
Ultimately, a genetic counselor’s goal is to analyze a person’ DNA and see how his or her genes are likely to impact everything from personality to general health. However, the genetic counselor does not actually perform the scientific testing of an individual’s genome. Instead, he or she comes into the process before and after the actual testing procedure takes place. A counselor can work with an individual to discuss possibilities prior to a test and assess results to take appropriate actions.
In a sense, genetic counselors are a cross between scientist and therapist. They can help individuals understand their odds of contracting a condition they are genetically predisposed for. Furthermore, they help clients deal with difficult questions, like whether to abort a pregnancy when genetic tests reveal Down’s Syndrome is present. Counselors can even help people decide if a genetic test is worth it. This is an especially popular consultation among couples seeking to have a baby.
Growing Market
The genetic counseling field has grown tremendously since scientists discovered how to decode the human genome. Since this breakthrough, counselors have been called upon for a variety of tasks. For example, they are hired by pharmaceutical companies to counsel individuals with a genetic predisposition and encourage them to partake in clinical trials. Prenatal care firms also hire genetic counselors to meet with parents and discuss testing options. (For more information about genetic testing click here).
Making an Impact
Genetic counselors bridge the gap between science and consumers. They make genetic testing easily accessible and understandable to their clients. Furthermore, genetic counselors write articles for academic journals and even participate in discussions with lawmakers. In fact, they are especially important in the current debate over genetic privacy and insurance policy.
Entering the Field
Most people who choose this career path have an undergraduate degree in biology, nursing, social work, or public health. However, this is not enough to get started with counseling. American genetic counselors are required to obtain a Master’s degree in their field from one of 32 programs accredited in the United States and pass an examination administered by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (other requirements vary by country). Upon being certified, a genetic counselor can expect to make upwards of $65,000, with $67,200 being the median income recorded by payscale.com.
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