Developments in genetic science allow us to have a deeper understanding of a person’s health, their susceptibility to certain diseases, and personalize treatment strategies. And with these developments has come the need for a growing field — genetic counseling.
These counselors help people understand how genetic conditions might affect them or their family, taking into account both their personal and family health history.
Read on to learn more about the basics of genetic counseling and job opportunities that are available in this field.
The History of Genetic Counseling
According to the National Society of Genetic Counselors, in 1947, Sheldon Reed developed the term “genetic counseling” to describe the interaction of explaining the likelihood of passing a certain trait to offspring.
In 1971, the first class of master's degree genetic counselors graduated from Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York. After that, genetic counselors quickly became a key part of the genetics team, given their unique knowledge of both counseling skills and human genetics.
Understanding the Role of Genetic Counselors
As we mentioned, genetic counselors help people understand how their genetic conditions could impact their health (or the health of their family members).
They’re there to assist with deciding when genetic testing is appropriate. These counselors also help interpret test results and suggest potential treatment options.
Although a counselor’s approach is tailored to the field of healthcare they’re working in (more on those in a moment) and the individual’s circumstances, here’s how a typical consultation might go:
- Referral. A person or family may be referred for genetic counseling by a primary care doctor or specialist because of a genetic disorder, a positive result from a prenatal screening test, or basic concern about potential risks.
- Pre-Session Data Collection. Before the counseling session, the counselor collects information on the individual's medical history and extended family tree details. They may also review any prior genetic testing or medical records.
- The Initial Session. First, the counselor explains the genetic counseling process, confidentiality, and limits of paternal relationships. Then, they discuss the individual's medical history and draw a family tree spanning three generations, if possible. (This is done to understand any pattern that might suggest a genetic component.) Based on the individual's circumstances and any relevant test results, the counselor will discuss the possibility of a genetic disorder in the family. They will also offer an assessment of the individual's risk of developing or passing on a genetic disorder. Finally, the counselor provides detailed, understandable information about the potential genetic disorders, inheritance patterns, and what it might mean for the individual and their family.
- Discussion About Genetic Testing. If appropriate, the genetic counselor will discuss the option of genetic testing, including its benefits, risks, limitations, and potential implications.
- Post-Session Follow-Up. Depending on the individual situation, the counselor may recommend a follow-up session. If a genetic test was performed, they’ll interpret and explain the results during this session. They can also address additional questions and concerns the individual may have.
From Prenatal to Cardiovascular Counseling: Genetic Counselor Jobs
Since genetics plays such an important role in healthcare, counselors can be found in a variety of fields. Here are some examples:
- Prenatal and Preconception Genetic Counseling. Counselors work with expectant parents or individuals planning to have children, focusing on assessing genetic risks, and discussing potential genetic issues that could affect their children.
- Cancer Genetic Counseling. Counselors work with individuals and families with a history of cancer to evaluate their risk of inherited cancer syndromes. They provide information about genetic testing options, interpret test results, and discuss management strategies.
- Pediatric Genetic Counseling. Counselors work with children and their families, dealing with a broad range of genetic disorders diagnosed in childhood. They help in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of these conditions.
- Cardiovascular Genetic Counseling. Counselors specialize in inherited cardiovascular diseases. They work alongside cardiologists to assess risk, and provide counseling and support for genetic heart conditions.
- Genomic Medicine. Counselors help interpret complex genomic data. They play a key role in personalized medicine, helping to tailor medical treatment to individual genetic profiles.
- Psychiatry Genetic Counseling. Counselors work with individuals and families with psychiatric conditions that have a genetic component. They provide support in understanding the genetic aspects of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
- Neurogenetics. Counselors support patients and families affected by neurological genetic disorders (such as Huntington’s disease), helping them navigate testing, treatment, and management strategies.
Earn Your Masters in Genetic Counseling at Keck Graduate Institute
Finding success in the field of genetic counseling begins with earning a Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling. And you’ll want to select a degree program from a reputable and accredited institution like Keck Graduate Institute.
Located in Claremont, California, Keck Graduate Institute is dedicated to the education of impactful genetic counselors who will serve the needs of patients, the healthcare system, and the bioscience industry.
This degree program involves a strong foundation in genetic counseling skills coupled with progressive learning, fieldwork experience, and research development. This allows students — and eventually graduates — to meet and anticipate the evolving needs of the genetic counseling profession.
Our goal is to advance genetic counseling for the benefit of society through the development of innovative, collaborative, culturally engaged, articulate, and caring genetic counselors. We’re here to support you every step of your professional journey.
Have questions about our program? Set up an appointment with one of our admissions counselors to start a conversation, or request more information.