Genetic Counselor Career Description

Genetic Counselor Profile and Description

A genetic counselor is a health professional or a medical expert who helps the people or patients understand about a genetically inherited disease or medical condition. He/she imparts knowledge about the possible effects of the disease and how it will affect the following generations of the bloodline. A genetic counselor must have the knowledge of genetics and should be an excellent counselor to help patients cope with the disease.

Genetic Counselor Duties and Responsibilities

A genetic counselor has to fulfill different types of duties and responsibilities. Here’s a look at a few of them:

• A genetic counselor is responsible for patiently helping the patients understand the repercussions of the genetically inherited disease.

• It is the responsibility of a genetic counselor to study the medical history of the patients to identify the genetic structure so as to suggest a possible recovery process.

• He/she must educate the family members about the precautions they can take to avoid the disease.

• He/she must help the patients recover from the disease.

Genetic Counselor Skills and Specifications

The following are a few of the main skills which are required from a genetic counselor:

• A genetic counselor must be soft spoken, patient and understanding.

• He/she must possess good interpersonal skills so as to effectively interact and communicate with the patient as well as his/her family members.

• He/she must be persuasive, dedicated and attentive.

• A genetic counselor must be sensitive to the emotional state and physical condition of the patients.

Genetic Counselor Education and Qualifications

The following educational qualifications are required to become a genetic counselor:

• Graduation from a faculty which has been approved and passes by the American Board of Genetic counselors.

• Masters of Science degree in genetic counseling.

Genetic Counselor Salary

The compensation of a genetic counselor is quite high and the average median salary enjoyed by a genetic counselor lies between $45000 and $60000.