The most prevalent areas of job satisfaction were support from laboratory directors (76.8%), autonomy (76.7%), interactions with clinicians (69.7%) and interaction with other genetics counselors (67.5%). Nineteen participants (44.2%) also reported spending a considerable amount of time signing reports. The two primary tasks performed by participants, include acting as a customer liaison (95%) and calling out test results (88%).
Using a survey, we identified 43 genetic counselors who work predominately in laboratory settings.
According to the National Society of Genetic Counselors Professional Status Survey in 2010, 23% of counselors working in non-clinical roles identified laboratory or genetic testing as their primary area of work. Learn more from the National Society of Genetic Counselors.An increasing number of genetic counselors are moving into non-clinical roles, where their primary duties do not involve direct patient contact. With expertise in counseling, genetic counselors can also provide emotional support as you make healthcare decisions. What the results of genetic tests may mean for you and your family.
You may be referred to a genetic counselor by a doctor to discuss your family history and genetic risks, or before or after having genetic testing. Ideally, a person who undergoes a genetic test will discuss the meaning of the test and its results with a genetic counselor. Genetic testing is the use of a laboratory test to look for genetic variations associated with a disease. Genetic counselors may provide general care or specialize in one or more areas including prenatal/family planning, pediatrics, cancer, or neurology. Most genetic counselors work in a clinic or hospital, often in partnership with other doctors and members of your healthcare team. This chapter provides an overview of the role of genetic counselors and their approach to educating patients and identifying individuals/families at risk of a genetic disorder. They serve as a central resource of information about genetic disorders for other healthcare professionals, patients, and the general public. Doing so can help inform personalized prevention and treatment plans. Genetic counselors are trained specialists who determine risk factors for hereditary diseases and disorders in patients. Genetic counselors can interpret genetic test results based on your personal and family history. Employment of genetic counselors is projected to grow 26 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wage for genetic counselors was 80,150 in May 2021. Genetic counselors have advanced training in medical genetics and counseling to guide and support patients seeking more information about how inherited diseases and conditions might affect them or their families. Genetic counselors typically need a master’s degree in genetic counseling or genetics, along with board certification.