Genetic Counseling
There are many diseases and syndromes that are caused by genetics, the variation of characteristics in DNA. To name just a few...
Fortunately, many of these diseases are rare. But for those that do have diseases such as these, it is often difficult for them, their parents, and friends to comprehend. It is for this reason, that genetic counselors do what they do.
A genetic counselor is a doctor that is knowledgable about a specific genetic mutation and the disease that it causes. They can simplify and explain not only the mutation but how it will affect the bearer's life in terms of daily function and long term complications. If requested, the counselor can also refer or introduce the family member/friend to a parent of a child or person with that specific disease.
In other words, it is the genetic counselor's job to help a family understand a disease, what it will change, and how to cope with it.
Education
All genetic counselor's must have completed high school, have a Bachelor's Degree, and a Master's Degree. It is common for the counselor to have majored in psychology, biology, nursing, social work and/or public health during undergraduate school. Their Master's Degree is often in molecular genetics, clinical genetics, population genetics, cytogenetics, psychosocial theory, ethical issues and/or counseling techniques.
Qualifications
As of right now, there is no consistent list of qualifications among all genetic counseling, if you will, agencies (excluding education requirements). It is however common and encouraged, though not consistently required, to be board certified. Board certification is available at the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC). To become certified, it is required that you pass both examinations (provided by the ABGC) and provide evidence of clinical experience (minimum of 50 cases).
Job Details
During a regular genetic counseling session, expect...
To find a genetic counselor based on their specialty or location, click on the button below.
- Sickle-Cell Disease
- Hemophilia
- Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
- Progeria (Dr. Corriere's Specialty)
Fortunately, many of these diseases are rare. But for those that do have diseases such as these, it is often difficult for them, their parents, and friends to comprehend. It is for this reason, that genetic counselors do what they do.
A genetic counselor is a doctor that is knowledgable about a specific genetic mutation and the disease that it causes. They can simplify and explain not only the mutation but how it will affect the bearer's life in terms of daily function and long term complications. If requested, the counselor can also refer or introduce the family member/friend to a parent of a child or person with that specific disease.
In other words, it is the genetic counselor's job to help a family understand a disease, what it will change, and how to cope with it.
Education
All genetic counselor's must have completed high school, have a Bachelor's Degree, and a Master's Degree. It is common for the counselor to have majored in psychology, biology, nursing, social work and/or public health during undergraduate school. Their Master's Degree is often in molecular genetics, clinical genetics, population genetics, cytogenetics, psychosocial theory, ethical issues and/or counseling techniques.
Qualifications
As of right now, there is no consistent list of qualifications among all genetic counseling, if you will, agencies (excluding education requirements). It is however common and encouraged, though not consistently required, to be board certified. Board certification is available at the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC). To become certified, it is required that you pass both examinations (provided by the ABGC) and provide evidence of clinical experience (minimum of 50 cases).
Job Details
During a regular genetic counseling session, expect...
- explanation of genetics behind disease
- explanation of disease
- description of how disease will affect bearer's life
- introduction to others with the disease
- advice on how to cope with disease
To find a genetic counselor based on their specialty or location, click on the button below.