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Genetic Counselors
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.
Table of Contents
Job description
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.
- Interpret laboratory results and communicate findings to patients or physicians.
- Discuss testing options and the associated risks, benefits and limitations with patients and families to assist them in making informed decisions.
- Analyze genetic information to identify patients or families at risk for specific disorders or syndromes.
- Provide counseling to patient and family members by providing information, education, or reassurance.
Salary
Genetic Counselors with little to no experience tend to make between $52750 and $68030 while the more experienced ones can earn over $96060 per year.
| Top 5 paying states | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| NV | $46 | $95,830 |
| TX | $45 | $92,960 |
| CA | $43 | $89,530 |
| CO | $42 | $87,290 |
| NY | $42 | $86,810 |
One of the easiest ways to increase your salary as a Genetic Counselor is to move to a higher paying state like NV. Right now, the highest paying states for Genetic Counselors are NV, TX, CA, CO and NY.
However, a higher pay at NV doesn’t guarantee that you will make more because the living expenses at NV might be twice as high than where you are currently at now.
Three other factors that can increase your salary as a Genetic Counselor is the degree you hold, the industry you work in, and lastly the company you work for.
Requirements
We asked other Genetic Counselors what degree they had when they got the job and most of them said they had a Master’s Degree followed by less than a High School Diploma.
Other than that, we also asked them what did they major in and here are the most popular majors that came up.
| Genetic Counseling/Counselor |
Pros and Cons
Here are some of the pros and cons of being a Genetic Counselor.
| PROS |
|---|
| Suitable for people who likes to help and teach others |
| Suitable for people who values relationships between co-workers and customers and wants to work in a friendly non-competitive environment |
| This career is perfect for people who love to work indoors. |
| One of the fastest growing careers |
| CONS |
|---|
| Not suitable for people who likes practical and hands-on work |
| It is very hard to get into this career. Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience is required for this career. |
What is the job like
74% of Genetic Counselors said they were satisfied with their job and 82% said they feel like their job is making other people’s lives better.
Is this right for me
You can read more about these career personality types here.
People who are suitable for this job tends to like working with, communicating with, and teaching people. They like helping or providing service to others..
They also like working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
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Learn more about Genetic Counselors
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Related career information
Genetic Counselors job description, Genetic Counselors salary, Genetic Counselors information, what is the job of a Genetic Counselor like, pros and cons about Genetic Counselors, colleges and universities for Genetic Counselors, is Genetic Counselors the right career for me, careers in Healthcare and Medical
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