GENETIC COUNSELING

Careers in PsychologyFlorida State University

02 April 2009

Kimberly Guthrie, MS

SUMMARY What does a genetic counselor do? What are the demographics of a genetic

counselor? How does one become a genetic

counselor? Where can I find more information

about pursuing a career in genetic counseling?

WHO ARE GENETIC COUNSELORS?Genetic counselors are health

professionals with specialized graduate degrees and experience in the areas of medical genetics and counseling.

Most enter the field from a variety of disciplines, including biology, genetics, nursing, psychology, public health and social work. (NSGC 1983)

WHAT DO GENETIC COUNSELORS DO?Provide information and support to

families who have members with birth defects or genetic disorders and to families who may be at risk for a variety of inherited conditions.

Identify families at risk, investigate the problem present, interpret information about the disorder, analyze inheritance patterns and risks of recurrence and review available options with the family.

SPECIALTIES

The majority of genetic counselors practice in the following areas of specialty:PrenatalPediatricCancer Genetics

PRENATAL GC EXAMPLE

Ms. Roberts is a 28 year old woman. She is 17 weeks pregnant and this is her first pregnancy. She has a routine blood test at her OB’s office. She is told that it screens for Down syndrome and some other conditions. A week after the test ,she receives a call from the nurse saying she came back “screen positive” for trisomy 18. The nurse tells her the chance her baby has trisomy 18 is 1 in 100. She is referred to a genetic counselor.

ROLE OF PRENATAL GCReview results of screening testObtain pregnancy and family

historyExplain the cause and features of

trisomy 18Discuss further testing optionsFacilitate decision makingFollow-up with further testing

resultsUse counseling skills to help

patient cope with test results

PEDIATRIC GC EXAMPLE

Emily is a 2 year old girl who was born with profound hearing loss. She is the only individual in her family with hearing loss. She was recently evaluated by an ENT to consider cochlear implants. The ENT recommended that she have a Genetics evaluation to understand the cause of her hearing loss.

ROLE OF PEDIATRIC GC Work closely with a medical geneticist Review medical records Obtain pregnancy, medical and family

history Discuss known causes of hearing loss Discuss testing options Coordinate testing Counsel regarding test results and

recurrence risk Provide written information Identify appropriate community

resources

CANCER GC EXAMPLE

Mary is a 48 year old woman who is referred to a genetic counselor because her sister was recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer at age 52. Her father and paternal grandmother were also diagnosed with breast cancer at ages 58 and 45 respectively. Mary tells you her sister has a mutation in the BRCA2 gene.

ROLE OF CANCER GC Obtain medical records and relative’s

test results as appropriate Obtain family and medical history Pedigree analysis Discuss features and genetics of

Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Discuss risks and benefits of genetic

testing Review cancer risks and options for risk

reduction Arrange for testing if desired and

follow-up counseling

WHERE DO GCS WORK?Majority of genetic counselors

work at:University medical centersPrivate or public hospitals

Some genetic counselors:Work in laboratoriesCoordinate research studiesAre employed by the stateWork in private industry

WHERE ARE GC JOBS LOCATED?

NSGC 2008 Professional Status Survey

SALARY

NSGC 2008 Professional Status Survey

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

www.abgc.net

UNDERGRADUATE COURSEWORK Each program has its own requirements

Check multiple program web sites for more information

Prerequisite coursework typically includes: One year of general biology One year of general chemistry One semester of biochemistry One semester of genetics One semester of statistics

In general, successful applicants have a minimum GPA of 3.0

ADDITIONAL APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS Volunteer experience

Crisis counseling hotlines and Planned Parenthood

Experience working with individuals with special needs

Shadow a genetic counselor NSGC – Find a counselor (www.nsgc.org)

GRE GRE scores at and above 70th percentile

range are considered competitive Some programs require GRE specialty

exams as well Three letters of recommendation Personal statement

APPLICATION PROCESSDecember/January

Submit complete application and supporting documentation

March/AprilInterviews

MayDecision time

GRADUATE SCHOOLGraduate courseworkClinical InternshipsThesis

RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION American Board of Genetic Counseling

www.abgc.net Accredits genetic counseling training

programs and administers certification for genetic counselors

Has links to all training program websites National Society of Genetic Counselors

(NSGC) www.nsgc.org Professional Society Has information on how to find a GC near you Has information about genetic counseling as

a career

QUESTIONS? Email: kjguthri@nemours.org