what do genetic councilors usually do?
#genetic #counseling #workday
3 answers
Nija Jackson, MSW, LCSW
Nija’s Answer
Hi Jayme! I hope all is well. I am glad that you are asking for information about becoming a Genetic Counselor. The work life of a Genetic Counselor involves determinating risk factors for heredity diseases and disorders in patients. A Genetic Counselor provides education, assessment, and counseling to patients and their families. Genetic counselors also interpret genetic testing, provide supportive counseling, and serve as patient advocates. They are found working in healthcare settings such as hospitals, doctor's offices, genetic testing laboratories, research studies, public health, insurance companies and other areas of healthcare.
A master's degree in the field is required and some states mandate licensure for this profession.
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Kayli’s Answer
The best way of describing genetic counselling is:
It's the process of helping people understand and adapt to the medical, psychological and familial implications of genetic contributions to disease. It involves interpretation of family and medical histories to assess the chance of disease occurrence or recurrence, education about inheritance, management, prevention, resources and research and counseling to promote informed choices and adaptation tot he risk or condition (Journal of genetic counselling, 2006).
Hope that helps, feel free to reach out.