A genetic counselor is a professional who advises individuals and families at risk of inheriting genetic conditions and disorders. Genetic counselors generally have Master’s degrees, and they receive training in a variety of disciplines, including genetics, biology, psychology, and nursing. While a genetic counselor has many responsibilities and enjoys a multifaceted career, one of their primary responsibilities is to explain to patients, in clear and understandable language, the nature and consequences of an inherited genetic disorder and the probability of inheriting this disorder or the likelihood of passing on this disorder to their children. The genetic counselor is also a patient advocate who refers his or her patients to state or community support services.
Genetic counselors do not work in isolation or as independent agents; they are generally an integral part of a health care team in that not only do they serve as a resource for patients ranging from infants to the elderly, they also serve as a resource to physicians. Some counselors also work in administrative capacities, or as researchers in the field of medical genetics and genetic counseling. Other counselors teach and supervise clinical students. Genetic counselors are most often employed at hospitals, pediatric care centers, specialty and high-risk prenatal clinics offering prenatal diagnosis, and adult genetic centers.
