Do I Need a Degree? How to Become a Genetic Counselor
Table of Contents
Introduction
With the exponential growth of genetic testing technologies and personalized medicine, genetic counselors are increasingly in demand. Genetic testing has become available in areas such as cancer and Alzheimer’s, and the number and types of tests have grown. If you’re interested in being part of a healthcare field that is growing and evolving, this article could be for you.
Here, we’ll go over everything you might need to know about how to become a genetic counselor, including how long it will take you to earn a degree, the courses that you’ll need to take throughout your education, and licensing. We’ll also discuss what a genetic counselor specifically does, the types of skills and qualities they need to possess, and potential salary.
How to Become a Genetic Counselor
Genetic counselors need a strong knowledge of biology and genetics, but that’s not all that there is to the career. It’s also important to understand how to relate to people who are going through difficult situations, as many people seek genetic counseling to make tough family planning decisions.
In this section, we’ll take a look at what you could expect from a program that prepares you to work as a genetic counselor, the types of courses you might take during your education, and the amount of time you should plan on studying before earning your degree.
Pursuing a genetic counselor education
You’ll typically need a master’s degree to work as a genetic counselor. Some schools might require you to have a bachelor’s degree in biology or a related science field. Even if this isn’t required, having a science-heavy undergraduate major could help you move through your graduate program more easily. Majoring in genetics, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, statistics, or psychology could all set you up for success after you finish your undergraduate career and begin applying to graduate programs in genetic counseling.
Courses in a genetic counselor degree program
As we mentioned, earning a degree in genetic counseling requires a strong knowledge of biology, statistics, and psychology. While earning your master’s degree in genetic counseling, you’ll typically take courses such as:
Counseling theory and application
Human genetics
Genomics
Medical genetics
Ethical issues in genetic counseling
Genetic testing processes
Principles of public health
Case management
Research methods
You’ll also likely need to complete clinical hours to graduate from a genetic counseling master’s program.
Once you’ve completed your education, you’ll probably need to get a license—most states require one for genetic counselors. (And even if they don’t, employers might prefer or require it.) Licensure typically requires certification; you could obtain certification through the American Board of Genetic Counseling. Once you are certified, you’ll sit for an exam to become licensed.
How long does it take to get a genetic counseling degree?
After graduating from high school, you’ll need to complete a four-year undergraduate program before you apply to a master’s in genetics counseling program. Your master’s degree program will typically take two years to complete, meaning it could take six years to make it through the undergraduate and graduate studies required to become a genetic counselor.
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Genetic counselors work to help people use their genetics to make decisions about their health. There are a number of reasons for genetic testing. A pregnant woman might get tested to detect any abnormal conditions in the fetus. Parents might seek testing for their children if they are showing developmental disorders, autism, or hearing or vision difficulties. People might be tested to see if they are predisposed to any number of diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, and ALS.
What does a genetic counselor do on the job?
In the first appointment with a genetic counselor, clients talk about their health history allowing the genetic counselor to make recommendations about whether it’s a good idea to move forward with genetic testing, and, if so, to determine which tests clients should take. The genetic counselor analyzes the results of the test, meets with clients to help them understand their results, and provides treatment options, referrals, and support as necessary.
As a genetic counselor, your job isn’t just to relay genetic information to clients—it’s also to support them in a caring, empathetic way. Genetic counselors meet with clients, many of whom are couples deciding whether they should have a biological child, pregnant women, parents of children who are expressing concerning symptoms, and people who have a history of genetic conditions in their families. It’s important that you show support for those who are receiving difficult news.
What qualities and skills does a genetic counselor need to have?
Communication skills: A big part of the job of a genetic counselor is to explain results and options to clients.
Compassion: Counselors need to show empathy and compassion when delivering news to clients that might be upsetting.
Critical thinking skills: Genetic counselors need to determine the proper tests for each client and analyze the results of those tests.
Interpersonal skills: Not only do genetic counselors work directly with clients, they also meet with families and collaborate with other healthcare professionals.
Organizational skills: Genetic counselors must keep detailed records for each client.
Genetic counselor jobs on the horizon
As genetic science grows, clients and medical professionals alike are beginning to realize the value of genetic counseling. The need for genetic counselors is on the rise, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that job openings in the field will grow by 16% between 2023 to 20331—a rate that is much faster than average. The states that employ the most genetic counselors are Pennsylvania, California, New York, Massachusetts, and Minnesota.2
Genetic counselor salary estimates
In 2023, genetic counselors in the United States earned a median annual wage of $95,770.1 There are several factors that could play into the amount you make as a genetic counselor, including your experience level, your education, and the cost of living in your area.
Wages also might vary by industry and geographic location. The BLS reports that the two highest-paying industries for genetic counselors in 2023 were:3
Outpatient care centers: $124,260
Medical and diagnostic laboratories: $107,970
The top-paying states for genetic counselors in 2023 were:
State
Annual Mean Wage
California
$138,540
Massachusetts
$112,060
Vermont
$107,220
Connecticut
$105,500
Colorado
$101,970
Conclusion
If you’re considering becoming a genetic counselor, you’re positioning yourself to potentially help many people who are unsure of how to move forward with their health—and the health of their families. While the six-year process of becoming a genetic counselor might be challenging, it could also be rewarding. Understanding the prerequisite knowledge required to succeed in a graduate program for genetic counseling might be the first step in working toward your desired career path.
Explore additional content for insights and knowledge:
Earn your degree from a university with a “Whole Human Education” approach that focuses on assisting you in all aspects of your education: academic, emotional, career, financial, and family.
Choose from 75+ programs: Whether you’re starting fresh or seeking advancement, our career-focused programs are designed to help you make an impact in your chosen field.
National University is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
