Genetic Counselor

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 November 2023, more than 77,000 different genetic tests were available on the market. While genetics has only been around for the past 70 years, genetic counseling is even newer, with the first professionals emerging about 40 years ago and the first being 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 there will be an anticipated 16 percent increase in positions nationally for genetics counselors between 2022 and 2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2023). This rate is much faster than the national average (3 percent), the median salary for genetic counselors was $89,990 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.

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)
  • Tuition: $73,000-$77,000 total

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)
  • Tuition: $45,000 total (residents); $74,000 total (non-residents)

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 for $55, 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

Immediately upon completing the test, students will receive their scores, 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 $213 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, in May 2022, genetic counselors earned $93,120 per year on average. The percentiles for earnings are:

  • 10th percentile: $64,360
  • 25th percentile: $79,940
  • 50th percentile (median): $89,990
  • 75th percentile: $104,610
  • 90th percentile: $128,380

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

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.