Most often, however, the genetic counselor will try to help the other family members find resources in their own community. Depending on your specific circumstances, you may be referred to a counselor with a different specialty. Depending on your specific circumstances, you may be referred to a counselor with a different specialty. For example, there are genetic counselors who specialize in cancer genetics, and others who specialize in prenatal counseling. However, some counselors do not specialize in a specific area and may see patients with a wide variety of needs.
Many counselors enter the field from a medical or scientific background.
Traditionally, genetic counselors must have obtained a masters degree, and many are also certified by the American Board of Medical Genetics or the American Board of Genetic Counseling. As part of this certification, genetic counselors earn continuing education credits that keep them abreast of new developments in the field. Exams for certification are only held every three years, thus there are many capable counselors practicing at any given time who have not received certification by one of these boards. Genetic counseling is typically covered by medical insurance. Genetic counselors often bill under the name of a supervising physician.