Best Careers 2009: Genetic Counselor

GC Career

How is this a great career when very few schools give a degree in this area...and only 8 students get accepted to each school?

So of all the people in the country only 124 will be able to immediately pursue it?

Sam of NJ @ Jan 16, 2009 14:54:14 PM

Genetic Counseling profession

The kind of training and the knowldege of gentics that the genetic counselors have, the profession should really command a vey high income , close to that of a medical Doctor. May be becasue , it is a female oriented profession, the pay scales are less . I hope the new government will make licencing compulsory in all states thereby , making it possible to raise the salary levels for Genetic Counselors.

indu of CT @ Jan 11, 2009 07:19:35 AM

Even though a GC salary is not that high, the type of work, if a person is passionate about it, can get a rewarding feel out of the job. If one wants to make more money, then don't become a GC. However, as many would agree, you can work another side job along with being a full-time GC to raise your yearly income to whatever you want it to be at.

N/A of WI @ Jan 04, 2009 19:28:06 PM

GC as a career

You need a masters degree in GC and then you need to take a board exam afterwards. Most have undergraduate degrees in biology, genetics or psych but it doesn't really matter as long as you have the minimum criteria of courses to apply to graduate school, which usually includes multiple classes in biology, genetics, statistics, psych etc. If you go to the National Society of Genetic Counseling Website (below) you can find a list of graduate schools. There are maybe 25 and most accept around 8 students a year. Each school will list its own entrance criteria. Also, you need the GRE exam before you apply.

Hope this helps.

http://www.nsgc.org/career/

MS of CA @ Dec 19, 2008 08:59:49 AM

Length of training for gentetic counselor

Interested in starting a new career...have some medical background but I was wondering how long is the training for genetic counselor?

Bridget of GA @ Dec 19, 2008 08:09:57 AM

On Genetic Counselors

I would hope that anyone who chose NOT to become a genetic counselor because of the pay scale would avoid the health care profession all together. Most genetic counselors chose their profession because they are smart and compassionate people interested in the field, not because of the money. With that said, there are many genetic counselors that make more that the reported pay scale. I guess it depends on the cost of living in your state.

Also, a genetic counselor will never look at your family history or personal pregnancy situation and recommend abortion. Genetic counselors do not encourage nor discourage abortion, they provide emotional support and medical information to families, often during very difficult times.

P.S. of AZ @ Dec 18, 2008 15:03:47 PM

as a senior in high school genetic counseling was on my list of possible careers but the low pay drove me more in the medical field

of GA @ Dec 12, 2008 19:55:37 PM

I agree

I agree with your comments sir regarding the size of the office. I as a pregnant women met with a genetic counselor today I have never been in such a small office before. Genetic counselor's I feel should atleast have a window in the office.

pregnant lady of NY @ Dec 12, 2008 19:16:00 PM