Most enter the field from a variety of disciplines, including biology, genetics, nursing, psychology, public health and social work. Genetic counselors work as members of a health care team, providing information and support to families who have members with birth defects or genetic disorders and to families who may be at risk for a variety of inherited conditions. They identify families at risk, investigate the problem present in the family, interpret information about the disorder, analyze inheritance patterns and risks of recurrence and review available options with the family. Genetic counselors also provide supportive counseling to families, serve as patient advocates and refer individuals and families to community or state support services. They serve as educators and resource people for other health care professionals and for the general public.
Some counselors also work in administrative capacities.
Many engage in research activities related to the field of medical genetics and genetic counseling. A separate entity, the American Board of Genetic Counseling , certifies genetic counselors and accredits genetic counseling training programs. The National Society of Genetic Counselors is the professional membership association for the genetic counseling profession. Because we offer educational programs, it would be considered a conflict of interest for us to administer the Board exams. Genetic counseling is a process in which a genetic counselor educates families or individuals about their risk of passing on a genetic predisposition for certain disorders to future generations or of having inherited a disorder, themselves.