Genetic counselors assess the risks of hereditary disease and medical conditions for patients.A counselor uses data from medical histories and testing to identify the risk of a genetic condition.The counselor counsels clients with risk factors in their medical history, as well as providing genetic testing.If you enjoy working on cutting-edge medical science and helping patients with a variety of medical concerns, this is the field for you.
Step 1: Prepare in high school.
High school isn't very far away from getting a job as a genetic counselor.There are certain steps you can take to prepare for the future.You should take as many sciences classes as you can.If your school has Advanced Placement classes, take them and do your best on the exams.You can learn more about genetics on your own.You can read news articles about advances in the field and read other books on genetics.Genetics is a rapidly changing field and your classes may not be up-to-date.There are volunteer positions for health clinics and genetics labs.If you can, try to shadow a genetic counselor.Look for schools with strong programs in genetics, biology, and psychology when applying to college.When applying to masters programs, these can give you an advantage.If you need help with any of this, talk to your guidance counselor.He or she can help you plan out your high school career so that you get the most experience before college.
Step 2: You should get a bachelor's degree.
Before you can become a genetics counselor, you need a bachelor's degree.The medical sciences, psychology, and healthcare are the most common major fields.If you don't major in one of those fields, you should have completed undergraduate courses in the other fields.
Step 3: You can volunteer for practical clinical experience.
Practical experience in the field of counseling or genetics is a must for graduate programs in genetic counseling.Look for opportunities to volunteer at clinics and shadow current counselors to see how much you really want to do the job.There are volunteering opportunities with counseling groups.Support groups for terminal illness, disabilities or special needs are some of the good experiences you can get in counseling.It's a good idea to volunteer to listen to a distress or suicide hotline.When you apply to graduate school, these will look good, but they will also give you the chance to help people directly.It is possible to shadow a current genetic counselor.If you can shadow one of the counselors, try to find a local genetic clinic.Depending on the needs of the clinic, you may be able to volunteer directly for more hands-on experience.Do not be afraid to ask your teachers, professors, and guidance counselors if there are any other opportunities for volunteering in genetics work.
Step 4: You can get a master's degree in genetic counseling.
You will need to be accepted into an accredited master's program if you are a genetic counselor.The study of genetics and counseling techniques will be covered in your master's program.During the summer, you will do fieldwork where you work directly in a professional setting.You will finish the program with a thesis or stone project that should involve original research in the field that draws on the information you have learned in classes.Good grades in your undergraduate science classes, a high score on the GRE, and some practical experience are required for admission to most programs.There are 35 accredited programs in the United States and Canada.Their website has a full list of the programs.As you finish your undergrad degree, you don't need to apply right away.Between finishing your degree and applying for a master's program is a good time to get some volunteering or practical experience.
Step 5: You should have a good knowledge of genomics.
Genetics will be the center of your work.In high school, college, and post-graduate settings, you will study the field and develop a strong body of knowledge.You should keep reading for new developments in the field.You will be able to give good advice to your patients if you know more.
Step 6: Become a good listener.
You will need to be comfortable in the role of a counselor in addition to learning about genetics.You should listen and be compassionate.Make sure you are prepared to give your patients your full attention when they talk to you, stay focused on the issues or symptoms they describe.Positive and welcoming body language is used when patients speak with you.Lean forward to let them know you're listening.As they talk, nod and make eye contact.
Step 7: Be compassionate.
Difficult conversations about pre-existing genetic conditions or possible genetic disorders are what genetic counselors need to be comfortable with.You will need to be compassionate and enjoy helping people.
Step 8: You can develop your skills of persuasion.
You will probably need to convince patients of the benefits of genetic testing, as there are a number of myths about it.You will need to be familiar with the testing process in order to alleviate any fears people may have.Stay calm and confident.The ability to alleviate your patient's concerns is part of being persuasive.If they have questions, but you don't get angry or upset, you can show that you know what you're talking about and that it's the right decision.Body language can be used to let your patient know you are trustworthy.To subtly suggest you are both on the same page, match your patient's positions and mirror his actions.Simple motions like crossing your legs or putting your arms in a similar position should suffice.Many of the same concerns and misconceptions will likely be encountered as you work with patients.You are always ready if you develop some basic responses to these issues.At least you will have something to start with.
Step 9: You need to get certification from the American Board of Genetic Counseling.
TheABGC helps to set high standards for the profession by promoting the growth of genetic counseling.You will need to pass the board's examination to become a certified counselor.You will have 4 hours to complete the exam, which consists of 200 multiple-choice questions.Specific knowledge of genetics and your ability to address problems and situations are covered in the questions.Content outlines and practice exams are provided by theABGC.After 5 years, your certification will be valid.At that point, you will need to recertify.Paying recertification fees involves taking a series of continuing education courses.
Step 10: State licensing requirements are met.
Some states require genetic counselors to have a license.The genetic counselor needs to be licensed to work in the position.You need to know the rules and regulations in your state to get a license.In Ohio, for example, a state license requires that you hold a master's degree, undergo a background check, and provide three recommendation certificates, including one from your current employer.There are 28 states that require licensure for genetics counselors.
Step 11: Determine the setting you want to work in.
There are a variety of settings where genetic counselors work.Clinical practices in doctors' offices and hospitals are included.Counseling focused on patients.This will involve working with people.You can work in a variety of specialties, including pregnant women, children, cancer patients, and heart patients.You will be based in a hospital or doctor's office.Counseling focused on laboratories.A research agenda will be created to study different aspects of genetic science.You might be involved in clinical trials or researching genetic conditions.You can work in a genetic research company or a university.Part-time work can be done along with patient focused work to still work with individuals.Counseling focused on public health.The fields include working for non-profit organizations and government agencies.If you work with Newborn Screening programs or patient support groups, you can reach people who don't come directly to clinics or hospitals.
Step 12: Find a job.
Depending on the type of work you want to do, look for openings with hospitals, laboratories, clinics, or other places seeking trained genetic counselors.You can find these through regular job sources, such as newspaper and online advertisement sites, or by contacting hospitals and laboratories directly.Once you are certified and licensed, your job prospects will be very strong.New openings and even new types of work are becoming available because of new developments in genetics.To maximize your chances of landing a good job, be prepared to be flexible with the types of genetic work you would like to do, as well as where you might want to live.
Step 13: You can participate in other professional activities.
In addition to your regular job as a counselor, there are other opportunities to share what you are doing with others.It is possible to work with other professional counselors or teach the next generation of genetic counselors.There are professional journals where you can publish articles.The Journal of Genetic Counseling is published by the National Society for Genetic Counselors.The American Journal of Human Genetics is a good journal.You can use these opportunities to publish research on genetics or counseling people with genetic disorders.Join professional societies.You can join other professional organizations if you are part of theABGC.The National Society of Genetic Counselors is a prominent group in the US.The Genetics Society of America is one of the others.It depends on the kind of work you do as a counselor.There are opportunities to teach.In many cases, teaching future geneticists will involve introducing students to the basic science of genetics, and understanding how it fits into broader sciences like biology.If you want to teach genetic counseling in a masters program, you will need to earn a doctorate in genetics, neuroscience, biology, or a similar field and publish peer-reviewed research.Future genetic counselors can shadow you to give them professional opportunities.
Step 14: Take continuing education courses.
You will need at least 25 hours of continuing education credits to maintain your certification.Some states require additional credits as part of maintaining the state license, while some hospitals and laboratories may want them as a condition for maintaining employment.New developments in the fields of genetics and patient care can be covered in approved courses.Depending on your current job status as well as the type of information you are looking to cover, there are different courses available.Professional activities such as scholarly publications, teaching, public outreach, and peer supervision can qualify as part of your continuing education.Keeping up with the latest trends in genetics is important to give your patients the best care.Failing to do so will prevent you from being able to advance in your career.