In this Article
Professional insights: Randi E. Zinberg
Genetic counselor key takeaways
Our understanding of human genetics has expanded rapidly in the past decade. Today, scientists know more than ever about how genetics can cause traits, conditions and an increased risk for health concerns. So it’s no surprise that roles in genetic counseling are growing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 9.3% increase in genetic counseling roles through 2034.
Job opportunities aren’t simply increasing in number. Randi E. Zinberg, MS, CGC and Director, Master of Science Program in Genetic Counseling at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai told us that roles in genetic counseling are expanding in exciting new directions.
“There are genetic counselors in public health, pharmacogenomics and clinical research. There are openings in so many different areas and there are so many new directions that genetic counselors are going in,” Zinberg said. “And we’ve moved only focusing on rare diseases to also focusing on common diseases. For example, we now focus on cancer genetics and cardiology genetics. The role is really growing every day.”
Genetics counselors are vital resources for the patients they meet with. They use empathy and communication skills combined with scientific knowledge to help patients understand information and to guide them through complex health decisions. This growing career can be a great fit for compassionate people with a strong interested in genetics.
Read on to learn more about the steps that help you begin your career in genetic counseling.
Understanding the role of a genetic counselor
Genetic counselors are clinicians who assess data, but they’re also patient educators and advocates who provide support and guidance to the patients they meet with. Their exact daily responsibilities might vary depending on their employer, but will typically include:
“They may be the ones providing resources and referrals.” Zinberg said. “They’re meeting with family members. They’re patient advocates, and of course, they’re providing counseling.”
What is it really like? How you can gain experience before you jump in.
Experience is a great teacher and can be one of the best ways to know if a career field is right for you. Fortunately, Zinberg said there are a few ways to experience genetic counseling before you even apply to school.
“They may want to view and attend online webinars. For instance, the National Society of Genetic Conselors has master counseling scenarios that show three different types of genetic counseling scenarios,” Zinberg shared. “They can also volunteer. Any type of advocacy is good, as is any role that helps make sure they’re comfortable talking to people and dealing with a crisis. Shadowing someone in the field can help, too. And then just talking to counselors to understand a variety of roles.”
This sort of experience helps you discover if a role in genetic counseling is the best fight for you. It can also strengthen your application to both your educational program and future jobs.
Earning your education and certification
According to the BLS, the degree you’ll need to practice as a genetic counselor is a master’s degree. Here is a rundown of educational steps that may lead to a career as a genetic counselor.
- Bachelor’s degrees:
- There aren’t generally bachelor-level programs in genetic counseling available. However, it can help to study a related field such as biology, genetics, counseling or life science.
- Master’s degrees:
- The foundation of a genetic counseling career is a Master of Science (MS) degree in Genetic Counseling from an accredited program. Genetic counseling programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC).
- Licensure:
- Currently, genetic counselors are required to be licensed in 33 states, and 14 states are the process of drafting laws for licensure. The exact requirements for your license depend on your state. Your state’s medical board will list the requirements in your state.
- Professional certification:
- Genetic counselors may earn the national-level Certified Genetic Counselor (CGC) credential administered by the American Board of Genetic Counseling. Not all states require counselors to take and pass this certification exam, but most do. Earning certification can be a smart idea even in states that don’t require it, as employers often prefer to hire certified genetic counselors.
Continuing your education: Vital for genetic counselors
Certified genetic counselors are required to take continuing education courses to renew their certifications. Some states might also require additional continuing education credits for license renewal. No matter what requirements apply to you, Zinberg said that continuing education is vital for genetic counselors, noting that, “Continuing education is part and parcel of the profession.”
Where you’ll work: Diverse work settings for genetic counselors
Because the field of genetic counseling is expanding, today’s genetic counselors may find employment in more locations than ever before. These can include:
- Hospitals and clinics:
- Genetic counselors in hospitals and clinics typically provide counseling to patients about the risk of cancer and other genetic conditions. They might also address family planning.
- Private practices:
- Some genetic counselors work in private practice on their own or with a group of genetic counselors. These practices often see patients who are concerned about their own health risks and health risks for any potential children.
- Public health locations:
- Genetic counselors work sometimes with community and non-profit organizations to raise awareness of genetics and increase public health.
- Pharmaceutical companies:
- Pharmaceutical companies increasingly rely on genetic counselors to help develop treatments for genetic conditions.
- Research institutes:
- Genetic counselors can work in research capacities and focus on the discovery and development of a broader understanding of genetics.
Genetic counselor salary: What you can earn in this role
The exact salary you’ll earn as a genetic counselor will depend on multiple factors. For instance, your location, specific employer and years of experience can all make a big difference in your paycheck. However, according to the BLS, genetic counselors earned a median average salary of $98,910 in 2023. On average, genetic counselors employed in medical labs and outpatient facilities earned the highest salaries, with medians of over $100,000.
Take a look at genetic counselor salaries by state:
Genetic Counselors
10%$78,680
25%$87,060
50%$98,910Median
75%$113,220
90%$137,780
Median Hourly Wage$48
Job growth9.3%
Total Employment3,510
| State | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $99,270 | $78,350 | $107,520 |
| California | $135,090 | $101,900 | $171,910 |
| Colorado | $104,840 | $75,040 | $128,220 |
| Connecticut | $93,920 | $69,690 | $125,050 |
| Delaware | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| District of Columbia | $87,520 | $70,290 | $126,810 |
| Florida | $99,110 | $71,020 | $125,650 |
| Illinois | $89,980 | $81,210 | $119,590 |
| Indiana | $81,760 | $49,160 | $106,710 |
| Maryland | $102,960 | $79,240 | $135,040 |
| Massachusetts | $93,910 | $78,540 | $142,170 |
| Michigan | $90,660 | $79,400 | $107,940 |
| Minnesota | $99,090 | $85,470 | $106,700 |
| Missouri | $88,130 | $76,150 | $104,460 |
| New Jersey | $120,550 | $52,900 | $171,010 |
| New York | $100,110 | $84,350 | $126,870 |
| North Carolina | $87,850 | $71,110 | $105,610 |
| Ohio | $92,310 | $73,890 | $121,120 |
| Pennsylvania | $92,320 | $80,620 | $115,010 |
| South Carolina | $105,500 | $78,520 | $115,520 |
| Tennessee | $90,780 | $81,670 | $90,780 |
| Texas | $97,480 | $79,370 | $117,590 |
| Utah | $91,620 | $83,900 | $112,210 |
| Vermont | $106,000 | $105,370 | $108,330 |
| Virginia | $106,060 | $84,500 | $156,360 |
| Washington | $99,820 | $71,410 | $128,610 |
| Wisconsin | $87,240 | $74,860 | $106,920 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries may vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Building a fulfilling career as a genetic counselor
Genetic counseling is a specialized role that requires a unique blend of skills. To succeed in this exciting field, it helps if you:
Is genetic counseling your calling?
“It’s a communication field,” Zinberg said. “It requires empathy and compassion. Additionally, someone must like science and must really like genetics. You’ll have to be comfortable in potentially uncomfortable, sad or bad situations. You have to understand you can’t fix everything. You have to connect with the families and be the support they need. And you have to deal with uncertainty because not everything has an answer.”
If this sounds appealing to you, you might find career satisfaction as genetic counselor. In this role, you’ll be able to use your academic knowledge of genetics and medicine, combined with people skills such as communication and empathy to support your patients. You’ll be giving patients the information they need to make important decisions, and you’ll be making a difference in their lives.
Ask yourself
If you answer yes to these questions, genetic counseling may be a great career field for you:
- Are you empathetic, compassionate and able to stay calm while discussion emotional subjects?
- Do you have great communication skills?
- Do you want to act as patient advocate and provide support for patients and their families?
- Are you able to break down complex topics and discuss them in an easy-to-understand way?
- Are you passionate about genetics and healthcare?
- Do you want a career that will allow you to keep learning?
Why not get started?
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited school is the first step on the path to a career in genetic counseling. It can be smart to consider a degree in a field such as biology, life sciences or psychology. From there, you can take steps to gain experience. This might include volunteering, taking webinars or talking to established genetic counseling professionals.
It can help to have resources as you as build your career. You can join a professional organization such as the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC). It’s a good way to start making connections and keeping an eye out for opportunities in your area.
With roles in genetic counseling increasing and expanding into new areas, now might be a great time to start your career journey. If you’re interested in science and genetics and want a career that will allow you to spend your days helping and supporting others, genetic counseling could be an ideal fit. Just click Find Schools to get started on your education journey.