Genetic Counselor

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“It’s important for people to understand that genetic counselors are going to become increasingly relevant to almost everybody as genetic testing becomes more prevalent.”

Dr. Lori Erby, Director of the Johns Hopkins University & National Institutes of Health Genetic Counseling Training Program

Americans are getting genetic testing done at an ever-increasing rate. Be it out of curiosity about ancestry or to learn if they are a carrier for a disease, these tests can give people and medical professionals the information they cannot discern any other way.

As of late 2022, more than 129,624 different genetic tests were available on the market. While genetics has only been around for the past 70 years, genetic counseling is even newer. The first professionals emerged about 40 years ago, and the first were state-licensed in 2002.

Genetic counselors help patients and families understand genetic testing and the ramifications of the results. They are skilled allied health professionals with extensive science, genetics, and counseling training. They have a firm grasp of inherited conditions, congenital disabilities, and other disorders and have compassion and understanding to counsel patients through tough decisions.

This field is booming, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2024), there will be an anticipated 16 percent increase in positions nationally for genetic counselors between 2022 and 2032. This rate is much faster than the national average for all occupations (3 percent). The median salary for genetic counselors was $95,770 per year, although experienced counselors can earn much more.

In addition, the demand for counselors is multiplying because of increased genetic testing. With more tests available and the broader adoption of genetic testing in the medical field, more patients are getting detailed information about their genes and need help making decisions.

Becoming a genetic counselor starts with dedication, compassion, and schooling. A master’s degree is required for certification and licensure. Continue reading to learn more about how to enter this growing and exciting profession.

Meet the Expert: Lori Erby, PhD, CGC

Dr. Lori Erby is the director of the Johns Hopkins/National Institutes of Health genetic counseling training program. She also maintains a position at the National Human Genome Research Institute while fostering collaborative relationships with colleagues at Johns Hopkins and contributing to the training program’s educational initiatives. Her research revolves around communication dynamics in the genetics/genomics field, aiming to identify optimal communication strategies tailored to different individuals’ needs, timing, and delivery methods, specifically emphasizing how communication variations in genetic counseling influence client outcomes.

Dr. Erby’s work also delves into customizing communication approaches for populations with limited literacy levels. It includes significant contributions to a comprehensive study on routine genetic counseling communication alongside Debra Roter. She holds a master’s of science and a PhD, both from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

CounselingSchools.com: What is something you wish the public understood about genetic counselors?

Dr. Erby: It’s important for people to understand that genetic counselors are going to become increasingly relevant to almost everybody as genetic testing becomes more prevalent.

We are more than just educators, although that’s certainly part of our job, but our role is much broader than that. People often have the idea that you only see a genetic counselor when you get genetic testing. That is only part of what we do. We are here to help people understand and adapt to health-related genetic information, whether that’s a new genetic diagnosis in yourself or a family member, you’re trying to figure out what the implications of results of a genetic test that you’ve had, or are figuring out how to move forward with your genetic information. So that means we are very tailored and provide counseling to help you with that adaptation process and, sometimes, in making decisions that need to be made.

CounselingSchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring genetic counseling students?

Dr. Erby: Because genetic counseling is still an emerging field, explore it fully before you apply. Make sure this is a good fit for you. There are a lot of ways to do that. I encourage people to talk to genetic counselors. We are incredibly welcoming people! Search for a genetic counselor on the National Society of Genetic Counselors website who has designated that they welcome questions from students. And when you do talk to a genetic counselor, look for opportunities to shadow. Also, peruse all the other resources on the National Society of Genetic Counselors and the Genetic Counselor Educators Association websites.

If someone has decided that this career is a good fit, explore programs through the Accreditation Council on Genetic Counseling. Their website lists all the accredited programs. You want to go to an accredited program and really compare what each has to offer. They all have the same base-level curriculum, but they also all have different strengths.

How to Become A Genetic Counselor

Step 1: Graduate from High School or Obtain a GED (Four Years)

A career as a genetic counselor begins with graduating high school or completing a GED. Students interested in this career should focus on social sciences, biology, math, and chemistry. If advanced placement classes are available, students should take advantage of them as they can help boost college applications and provide college credits before completing high school.

Step 2: Complete a Bachelor’s Degree (Four Years)

A bachelor’s degree is necessary to become a genetic counselor. While students can pursue almost any major and enter this field, the most common majors for this career are psychology, counseling, biochemistry, or health sciences. In addition, students should ensure their program is regionally accredited or accredited by a national accrediting agency, as this is often required when applying for a master’s program.

Most genetic counselor master’s degree programs require applicants to have completed prerequisite coursework. Commonly required classes include biology with a lab component, molecular biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, psychology, genetics, and statistics. Often, students are required to pass these courses with a minimum of a B or better.

In the fall of their senior year, prospective genetic counselors must register with the National Matching Service (NMS) to obtain admission to a master’s program. Students submit all required documentation to NMS and rank the master’s programs they wish to attend. Programs review applications, conduct interviews throughout the winter, and offer admission in April. Most master’s programs typically start the following fall.

Step 3: Obtain a Master’s Degree (Two Years)

A master’s degree in genetic counseling is required to enter this career. Most master’s in genetic counseling programs can be completed in two years. On-campus, hybrid, and completely online options are available across the country. Students should ensure the program they attend is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC), as that is a requirement for the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) certification.

Boise State, for example, offers a fully online 21-month master’s of science in genetic counseling (MSGC) degree. Students enrolled in this program must take courses such as the principles of human genetics, developmental anatomy, research methods, and healthcare principles. Starting during the third semester of studies, students engage in fieldwork, gaining valuable hands-on experience working directly with patients.

Location: Boise, ID
Duration: 21 months
Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC)

Students looking for an on-campus option should consider the 22-month master’s of science in genetics counseling at Rutgers University. This is the only genetic counseling program in New Jersey, affording students unparalleled access to professionals across the state. Faculty in this program are leaders and professionals in the field as well. Students must attend lectures, complete labs, participate in clinical rotations, and complete a research project to graduate from the program.

Location: Piscataway, NJ
Duration: Two months
Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC)

Step 4: Pass the Board Certification Test from the ABGC (Timeline Varies)

Certification from the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) is the industry standard for genetic counselors. Candidates must have graduated from an ACGC-accredited program to be eligible to sit for this exam. Tests are offered twice a year in February and August. The test is four hours long and consists of 200 multiple-choice questions.

The ABGC offers a 100-question practice exam, which helps students prepare. Topics covered in this exam include:

Gathering initial client information
Evaluating medical history
Family history
Risk assessment
Testing options
Communication
Counseling
Resources
Ethics
Research

Students will receive their scores immediately upon completing the test, informing them if they have passed or failed. If candidates have earned a passing score, they can immediately begin using the title of Certified Genetic Counselor unless prohibited by state legislation.

Step 5: Apply for State Licensure if Required (Timeline Varies)

In about half the states, genetic counselors are required to be licensed. Licensing requirements vary by state, and more states are adding licensing requirements each year. The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) publishes a list of states requiring licensure and links to state requirements.

All states requiring licensed genetic counselors require applicants to have current ABGC certification and have graduated from an ACGC-accredited master’s degree program. One state that requires licensing is New Mexico. The requirements to be licensed are:

Submit a completed application
Pay a $150 application fee
Complete a criminal background check, including fingerprinting
Verify ACGC certification
Submit official graduate school transcripts
Submit proof of work experience for the past five years, if applicable
Provide two passport-style photographs
Have a reference submit a professional recommendation

What Do Genetic Counselors Do?

Genetic counselors work at hospitals, clinics, universities, diagnostic laboratories, and government agencies. Job duties vary based on place of employment, education, and job title, but typical day-to-day responsibilities include:

Interviewing patients to learn about medical and family history
Compiling patient genetic information from interviews and tests to get an accurate picture of their genetic makeup
Writing detailed reports on the findings of genetic tests for both doctors and patients
Translating medical terminology into layperson’s terms
Discussing with patients about available genetics tests, the risks of the tests, and what the results could mean
Educating patients and family members about genetic conditions and treatment available
Meeting with prenatal and conceiving families to advise on pregnancy risks they may face based on their genetic makeup
Participating in research
Maintaining careful client records

How Much Do Genetic Counselors Make?

Genetic counselors’ wages vary based on their place of employment, their state, how much education they have, and what kind of experience they have. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2023), genetic counselors earned $98,130 per year on average. The percentiles for earnings are:

10th percentile: $72,530
25th percentile: $83,380
50th percentile (median): $95,770
75th percentile: $108,090
90th percentile: $132,190

Genetic Counselor Professional Associations & Resources

Top associations and resources for genetic counselors include:

National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC)
American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABCG)
Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC)
American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG)
American Board of Medical Genetics (ABMG)
American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGT)

Kimmy Gustafson

Writer

At CounselingSchools.com, Kimmy Gustafson’s expertly crafted articles delve into the world of counseling and mental health, providing valuable insights and guidance to readers since 2020. In addition to feature pieces and interviews, she keeps the state licensing tables current. Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.