collageGenetic counselors determine disease risk for all ages of people by inquiring about family medical and environmental history, interpreting genetic test results with patients, offering disease prevention and care management resources, and providing emotional and ethical guidance to help people make informed decisions about their individual and reproductive health. One of the fastest growing careers in the United States, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2019) has predicted 27 percent growth in openings between 2018 and 2028—adding nearly 1,000 new genetic counseling positions nationwide.
Why is the field of genetic counseling experiencing so much growth? One reason is the increased number and availability of genetic tests. In previous decades, genetic testing was typically reserved for at-risk pregnant women via amniocentesis. Nowadays there are several types of tests available to predict the likelihood of disease onset for people of all ages and stages of life. Examples of modern day genetic testing and their purposes include:
- Pre-symptomatic diagnostic tests to identify the probability of developing a disease later in life
- Genetic carrier testing for couples planning-to-conceive
- Prenatal testing to determine fetal health
- Pre-implantation testing done in conjunction with in vitro fertilization to determine embryo viability
- Newborn screening for congenital heart disease
- Pharmacogenomic testing to help healthcare providers choose targeted medicines for individual treatment
- Genetic testing to advance the knowledge of gene-based treatments
The popularity of direct-to-consumer DNA tests such as 23andMe is widely credited for the increased demand of genetic counselors. These at-home tests, also known as “spit kits,” require individuals to send a saliva sample to the company and their genetic test results are delivered a few weeks later. Because these tests lack contextualized data about family and environmental history, consumers who receive specific or unexpected genetic information and want a more nuanced interpretation of their genomic data are seeking genetic counseling to interpret their DNA test results. This is especially important for individuals with concerns about their inherited risk for specific diseases.
Direct-to-consumer DNA tests based on ancestry and family lineage often provide incomplete information on inherited genetic mutations, giving clients a false sense of security (or doom) regarding their risk for serious potential health conditions—either believing the results to be a form of diagnosis or that they are at no risk at all.
A rewarding STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) career, genetic counselors divide their time between interacting with patients, communicating with laboratories, and advocating on behalf of their patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals and clinics, laboratories, colleges and universities, and private practices. In fact, the BLS shows the nation’s top three employers of genetic counselors are general medical and surgical hospitals, offices of physicians, and medical and diagnostic laboratories (BLS 2019).
Many genetic counselors partake in breakthrough research in the field of genetics which makes it an ideal career option for those wanting to contribute their scientific and social talents to the world. Most genetic counselors hold bachelor’s degrees in biology, social science, or a related field, going on to pursue master’s degrees in genetic counseling. Certification through the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) is available and is required by some hospitals and clinics.
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