what degree do you need to be a genetic counselor

Go a Genetic Counselor – Education & Certification Guide

Americans are getting genetic testing washed at an always-increasing rate. Be information technology out of curiosity about ancestry or to larn if they are a carrier for a affliction, these tests can give people and medical professionals information that cannot exist discerned whatsoever other way.

Every bit of 2017, there were more than 75,000 dissimilar genetic tests available on the market. While the field of genetics has just been effectually for the past seventy years, the field of genetic counseling is fifty-fifty newer, with the kickoff professionals emerging about forty years ago and the beginning beingness state licensed in 2002.

Genetic counselors assist patients and families understand genetic testing and the ramifications of the results. They are skilled allied health professionals who have received extensive preparation in science, genetics, and counseling. Not simply exercise they take a firm grasp of inherited conditions, birth defects, and other disorders but they have compassion and agreement to counsel patients through extremely difficult decisions.

The average bacon for genetic counselors is $80,860 per year (BLS May 2019), although experienced counselors can earn much more. This field is booming and there will be an anticipated 21 percent increase in positions nationally for genetics counselors between 2019 and 2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2020). Demand for counselors is growing so quickly because of an increase in genetic testing. With more tests available and wider adoption of genetic testing in the medical field, more than patients are getting detailed information about their genes and demand help making decisions.

Becoming a genetic advisor starts with dedication, compassion, and schooling. A master's degree is required for certification and licensure. Continue reading to acquire more than about how to enter this growing and exciting profession.

How to Get a Genetic Counselor

Pace 1: Graduate from Loftier School or Obtain a GED (Four Years)

A career as a genetic advisor begins with graduating loftier schoolhouse or completing a GED. Students interested in this career should focus on social sciences, biology, math, and chemical science. If advanced placement classes are available, students should take advantage of them as they can assist boost college applications as well every bit provide college credits prior to completing high school.

Step 2: Complete a Bachelors' Degree (Four Years)

A bachelor's degree is necessary in lodge to become a genetic counselor. While students tin can pursue near whatever major and enter this field, the almost common majors for this career are psychology, counseling, biochemistry, or health sciences. Students should ensure their program is regionally accredited or accredited by a national accrediting agency as this is ofttimes required when applying for a master's plan.

Most genetic counselor master'south degree programs require applicants to have completed prerequisite coursework. Ordinarily required classes include biology with a lab component, molecular biology, chemical science, organic chemistry, psychology, genetics, and statistics. Oft, students are required to pass these courses with a minimum of a B or better.

In the fall of their senior twelvemonth, prospective genetic counselors will demand to register with the National Matching Service (NMS) in order to obtain admission to a master'due south program. Students submit all their required documentation to NMS, as well as rank the chief'south programs they wish to nourish. Programs review applications and conduct interviews throughout the winter and offering admission in April. Virtually principal's programs typically showtime the following fall.

Pace 3: Obtain an Principal's Degree (Ii Years)

A primary's degree in genetic counseling is required to enter this career. The bulk of the master'southward in genetic counseling programs tin exist completed in only ii years. On-campus, hybrid, and completely online options are available beyond the country. Students should ensure the program they attend is accredited by the Accreditation Quango for Genetic Counseling (ACGC), as that is a requirement for the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) certification.

Boise State, for example, offers a fully online 21-month chief'south of science in genetic counseling degree. Students enrolled in this program are required to take courses such as the principles of human genetics, developmental beefcake, research methods, and healthcare principles. Starting during the third semester of studies, students engage in fieldwork where they gain valuable hands-on experience working directly with patients.

Students looking for an on-campus pick should consider the 22-month master'south of scientific discipline in genetics counseling at Rutgers University. This is the only genetic counseling program in the state of New Bailiwick of jersey, affording students unparalleled access to professionals across the state. Faculty in this program are leaders and professionals in the field as well. Students are required to attend lectures, complete labs, participate in clinical rotations, and consummate a research project in order to graduate from the program.

Step iv: Pass the Board Certification Test from the ABGC (Timeline Varies)

Certification from the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) is the manufacture standard for genetic counselors. Candidates must have graduated from an ACGC-accredited program in order to exist eligible to sit down for this exam. Tests are offered twice a year in Feb and August. The test is four hours long and consists of 200 multiple-choice questions.

The ABGC offers a 100-question do exam for $55 which helps students set. Topics covered in this exam include:

• Gathering initial client information
• Evaluating medical history
• Family history
• Chance assessment
• Testing options
• Communication
• Counseling
• Resources
• Ethics
• Research

Immediately upon completing the test, students will receive their score which will inform them if they take passed or failed. If candidates have earned a passing score they tin can immediately brainstorm using the title of Certified Genetic Counselor, unless prohibited past state legislation.

Step five: Utilize for Land Licensure if Required (Timeline Varies)

In about half united states, genetic counselors are required to be licensed. Licensing requirements vary by state and each year more states are adding licensing requirements. The National Club of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) publishes a list of states requiring licensure, also as links to state requirements.

All states currently requiring genetic counselors to exist licensed require applicants to have electric current ABGC certification and take graduated from an ACGC accredited master'due south degree program. One state that requires licensing is New Mexico. The requirements to exist licensed are:

• Submit a completed application
• Pay a $150 application fee
• Complete a criminal background check including fingerprinting
• Provide verification of ACGC certification
• Submit official graduate schoolhouse transcripts
• Submit verification of work feel for the past v years, if applicable
• Provide ii passport style photographs
• Have a reference submit a professional person recommendation

What Do Genetic Counselors Exercise?

Genetic counselors work at hospitals, clinics, universities, diagnostic laboratories, and regime agencies. Job duties vary based on place of employment, teaching, and task championship just typical day to day responsibilities include:

• Interviewing patients to learn most medical and family history
• Compiling patient genetic information from interviews and tests to become an accurate film of their genetic makeup
• Writing detailed reports on the findings of genetic tests for both doctors and patients
• Translating medical terminology into layman'south terms
• Discussing with patients well-nigh available genetics tests, the risks of the tests, and what the results could hateful
• Educating patients and family members about genetic conditions and treatment available
• Meeting with prenatal and conceiving families to propose on pregnancy risks they may face up based on their genetic makeup
• Participating in research
• Maintaining careful client records

How Much Do Genetic Counselors Make?

Genetic advisor wages vary based on place of employment, what land they piece of work in, how much education they have, and what kind of experience they have. Co-ordinate to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, genetic counselors earn $eighty,860 per year on average. The percentiles for earnings are:

• 10th percentile: $52,750
• 25th percentile: $68,030
• 50th percentile (median): $80,370
• 75th percentile: $96,060
• 90th percentile: $107,450

Genetic Advisor Professional Associations & Resources

Superlative association and resource for genetic counselors include:

• National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC)
• American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABCG)
• Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC)
• American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG)
• American Board of Medical Genetics (ABMG)
• American Society of Gene & Prison cell Therapy (ASGT)

Kimmy Gustafson

Author

Kimmy Gustafson is a freelance writer with all-encompassing experience writing about counseling careers and education. She has worked in public health, at health-focused nonprofits, and every bit a Spanish interpreter for doctor's offices and hospitals. She has a passion for learning and that drives her to stay upward to appointment on the latest trends in healthcare. When not writing or researching, she can exist found pursuing her passions of nutrition and an active outdoors lifestyle.

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Source: https://www.counselingschools.com/careers/genetic-counseling

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