Genetic Counseling is a professional assessment of a patient's risk factors regarding their family history or a pregnancy. Genetic counseling sessions typically last one hour, or longer, depending on the complexity of the case. Each counselor is assigned to one patient for continuity in complicated cases.
Genetic counselors have a minimum of a master's degree in genetic counseling or a related field.
The former includes extensive training in both human genetics as well as psychology. Board Certification for Genetic Counseling is offered every three years by the American Board of Genetic Counseling. Emory Genetics requires Board Certification for counselors, however, depending on the timing of hire, some Genetic Counselors may initially be Board-Eligible, until the board examination is completed. All Genetic Counselors at Emory work directly under the supervision of a Board-Certified M.D. Clinical Geneticist. Detailed letters are subsequently mailed to the patient and referring physician for their records.