They provide information and supportive counseling, coordinate testing, and connect families with community resources such as support groups and funding agencies. Genetic counselors are also involved in teaching, research, screening programs and coordination of support groups. As members of the health care team, they may also have administrative and management responsibilities. Many genetic counselors work with M.D. or Ph.D. geneticists. They may also be part of a team of specialists such as pediatricians, obstetricians, neonatologists, orthopedists, neurologists, oncologists, endocrinologists, cardiologists, psychiatrists, nutritionists, social workers and nurses.
Most genetic counselors work in large medical centers or hospitals affiliated with a medical school.
Some genetic counselors choose to work in public health or in private commercial laboratories, or do research. A growing number of genetic counselors work independently. This program is one of the largest in the United States, providing clinical, educational, and research opportunities statewide with more than 3,500 clients annually. The program staff includes board certified genetic counselors, clinical geneticists, perinatologists, cytogeneticists, biochemical geneticists, molecular geneticists, a Ph.D. medical geneticist, a bioethicist, a nutritionist, and a genetic nurse specialist. The Program accepts three to five students each year.