What Is a Genetic Counselor? Skills, Salary, and More

Key takeaways

Genetic counselors help individuals and families assess inherited disease risks through genetic testing and family history.

• The median annual salary for genetic counselors in the US is $98,910 [1].

• Career progression is positive, with plenty of options for specializing in a particular area, such as oncology and prenatal.

• You can start your career path in the field of genetic counseling by considering degree options.

Learn more about becoming a genetic counselor, including what you’ll do, how much you can earn, and different specializations in the field. Keeping up to speed with the rapidly changing world of health care can help you improve the quality of the service you provide. If you’re ready to develop business skills and understand the health care system, The Business of Health Care Specialization from the University of Pennsylvania is a good option. In just four weeks, you can develop the skills you’ll need to successfully navigate the quickly evolving landscape of this fast-growing field.

What is a genetic counselor?

A genetic counselor advises people on genetic conditions that might affect them or their relatives through an assessment of their family history. These conditions may include chromosomal disorders such as Down syndrome and fragile X syndrome, multifactorial disorders such as cancer and diabetes, or monogenic disorders, including cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease.

Genetic counselors work closely with patients to educate them on types of hereditary conditions following their assessment, discussing whether they need genetic testing and the various options available, including any ethical considerations. People enter genetic counseling for many reasons, such as when they are pregnant or thinking of starting a family and want to know the risks of their child developing a specific genetic condition, or when managing their own health or that of a family member.

What do genetic counselors do?

Genetic counselors work with various people concerned with genetic predispositions at all stages of life. This may include prenatal screening to determine whether a baby is likely to be born with a hereditary disease or condition, or working with adults to assess whether they are likely to develop genetic diseases following the onset of certain symptoms.

They also provide counseling and support following testing, helping people adapt to the implications of the results on their physical, mental, and familial well-being. 

Typically, as a genetic counselor, you will do the following:

• Interview patients to understand their medical and family history

• Assess whether patients are at risk of genetic disorders using the information on family history

• Discuss testing options with patients, including risks, social and ethical considerations, and benefits

• Support patients and their families with counseling and education following results and before testing

• Refer patients to the necessary medical professionals

• Perform prenatal genetic screening and pregnancy counseling

• Support couples through premarital genetic screening and help families care for affected children

• Provide counseling in cases of exposure to teratogenic drugs

Generally, genetic counselors work in hospitals or clinics but can also work in laboratories, clinical settings, and private practices. 

Genetic counselor salary

The median salary for genetic counselors in the US is $98,910 as of May 2024, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) [1]. Genetic counselor salaries generally range from $78,680 to $137,780 [1]. Salaries vary according to experience, location, type of employer, and industry. 

Genetic counselor pay range in different industries

Typically, the amount you can expect to earn as a genetic counselor will vary based on the industry in which you work. According to the US BLS, here are the highest-paying industries for genetic counselors in the United States [1]:

• Outpatient care centers: $137,430

• Medical and diagnostic laboratories: $113,320

• Education institutions such as colleges and universities: $102,530

• Private and state hospitals: $99,750

• Physician offices: $90,780

Employment outlook of genetic counseling and related roles

The BLS expects employment opportunities to grow 9 percent between 2024 and 2034, adding approximately 300 new job openings each year throughout the decade [2].

Career progression is positive, with plenty of options for specializing in a particular area, such as oncology and prenatal. There are also some niche specializations, such as psychiatric genetic counselors and chromosomal disorders counselors, as well as the opportunity to move into more senior positions with management responsibility. 

Is it hard to become a genetic counselor?

While it can be a rewarding career, the process of becoming a genetic counselor is competitive, has a rigorous application process, and requires both practical experience plus a solid academic foundation. Due to the limited number of accredited programs, applicants usually need relevant volunteer or paid experience in addition to coursework in biology, chemistry, genetics, and psychology. Strong interpersonal skills and a dedication to patient-centered care are also beneficial for this role.

Genetic counseling specializations

Genetic counselors can practice generally, or they may choose to specialize in a single area that relates to a type of condition or group of conditions. As a genetic counselor, you can also specialize in working with a particular population, such as children. 

Cardiology 

Genetic counselors specializing in cardiology work with people to establish a genetic risk for cardiovascular diseases, such as sudden death syndrome, hypercholesterolemia, and cardiomyopathy. In this specialization, you might collect information on family history, make recommendations for screening when necessary, and support patients through genetic testing, diagnosis, and options available.

Neurology

A specialization in neurology means that a genetic counselor is qualified to establish a genetic link for neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, and epilepsy. In this specialization, you might work with patients to decide whether they want to undergo testing, helping them understand the implications of doing so and supporting them through the process after they’ve received their results.

Oncology 

Oncology specialists look for inherited risks of all types of cancer. By specializing in oncology, you would support patients and help them understand the risks of having children and passing on hereditary cancer genes. You would also have the opportunity to offer cancer screening and discuss treatment options and risk reduction strategies.

Pediatrics

Genetic counselors specializing in pediatrics work with families of children diagnosed with or at risk of developing an inherited condition. You would work hands-on to advise families on their medical options and offer emotional support.

Preconception

Preconception genetic counselors work with couples looking to conceive to assess any genetic predispositions they may have and support a low-risk pregnancy by offering advice and guidance on lifestyle and health. 

Prenatal

Genetic counselors specializing in prenatal offer screening to expectant parents to determine the risks of their baby having genetic disorders. This can be a standard part of pregnancy care for patients considered at high risk—generally those over 35 years of age.

Read more: Is Health Care a Good Career Path? Outlook, Jobs, and More

How to become a genetic counselor

Genetic counselors are highly qualified and undertake many years of education and training to do their job effectively, which generally takes a minimum of six years. Here’s what you can expect to do to join the profession:

1. Complete a bachelor’s degree.

If you’re wondering how to become a genetic counselor, the first step is to earn a bachelor’s degree, ideally in a relevant subject such as biology or social sciences. However, the subject isn’t always a prerequisite for the next step, so long as you have a bachelor’s degree. This step typically takes four years.

2. Earn a master’s degree in genetic counseling.

After earning a bachelor’s degree, the next step is enrolling in a master’s degree program in genetic counseling. Programs must be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC). Your master’s degree program usually takes two years to complete.

The course covers areas such as molecular genetics, research methods, and ethics, as well as clinical experience on rotation to cover various areas in the field. You must also undertake a research project or thesis.

3. Pass the board certification test from the ACGC. 

Genetic counselors must gain certification to practice by passing a certification exam accredited by the ACGC. You must keep your certification up to date with ongoing professional development activities.

4. Apply for state licensure if required.

Many states require certified genetic counselors to apply for a license to practice. Licensing requirements vary, so check the requirements of the state in which you wish to work in order to establish whether you need a license. 

5. Develop relevant skills.

As a genetic counselor, you’ll use technical skills, like knowledge of research methods and lab techniques, alongside people skills that are vital to working with patients and other medical professionals. These people skills include:

• Interpersonal skills: To simplify complex medical information for patients and caregivers to understand

• Compassion: When dealing with people who have found out worrying or upsetting information about their health or that of someone with whom they are close

• Critical thinking: To work out how best to present information to patients and how best to analyze risks

• Decision-making: Essential skill when considering how best to share knowledge with patients and their families 

Stay in the loop on career trends and tips

To learn more about industry trends that interest you, consider subscribing to our YouTube channel. You can also keep informed with some of our free resources:

• Builde skills: How to Strengthen Your Critical Thinking Skills

• Take a quiz: Career Test: What Career is Right for Me Quiz?

• Watch on YouTube: The Career Advancement Episode Everyone Needs to Hear

Drive your career advancement with a Coursera Plus subscription. When you enroll in either the monthly or annual option, you’ll gain access to over 10,000 courses—just check the course page to make sure your selection is available.

Build job-ready skills with Coursera Plus

Start 7-day free trial

• 
• 
• 
• 

Start 7-day free trial

FAQs