Description
Assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. Provide information to other healthcare providers or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions. Advise individuals and families to support informed decisionmaking and coping methods for those at risk. May help conduct research related to genetic conditions or genetic counseling.
Interests
- Investigative
- Social
- Conventional
Work Values
- Relationships
- Achievement
- Recognition
Work Styles
- Concern for Others
- Integrity
- Attention to Detail
- Self-Control
- Cooperation
Tasks
- Interpret laboratory results and communicate findings to patients or physicians.
- Discuss testing options and the associated risks, benefits and limitations with patients and families to assist them in making informed decisions.
- Analyze genetic information to identify patients or families at risk for specific disorders or syndromes.
- Provide counseling to patient and family members by providing information, education, or reassurance.
- Write detailed consultation reports to provide information on complex genetic concepts to patients or referring physicians.
Work Activities
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Getting Information
- Assisting and Caring for Others
- Documenting/Recording Information
Detailed Work Activities
- Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Technology Skills
- Data base user interface and query software
- Presentation software
- Medical software
- Analytical or scientific software
- Spreadsheet software
Abilities
- Written Comprehension
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
Skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Complex Problem Solving
- Active Learning
- Critical Thinking
Knowledge
- Biology
- Psychology
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Therapy and Counseling
- English Language
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
Clinical Genetics and GenomicsCertifying Organization
American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Certification in Pathology: Molecular Genetic PathologyCertifying Organization
American Board of Pathology
Type
Core
Certificate name
Certified Genetics CounselorCertifying Organization
American Board of Genetic Counseling
Type
Core
Certificate name
Cancer Genetic Risk AssessmentCertifying Organization
National Consortium of Breast Centers, Inc.
Type
Specialty
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $59,009 |
| Median (50%) | $83,545 |
| High (90%) | $103,367 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | $83,032 |
| Mid Level | $88,552 |
| Senior Level | $90,404 |
| Expert Level | N/A |
Employability
There are currently 3,500 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 4,100 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 16%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of 16%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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