Genetic CounselingCareers in Psychology

Florida State University

Katie Farmer, MS, CGCTallahassee Memorial

Hospital

Summary

•What does a genetic counselor do?•What are the demographics of a genetic

counselor?•How does one become a genetic

counselor?•Where can I find more information about

pursuing a career in genetic counseling?

Who are Genetic Counselors?

•Genetic counselors are health professionals with specialized graduate degrees and experience in the areas of medical genetics and counseling.

•Most enter the field from a variety of disciplines, including biology, genetics, nursing, psychology, public health and social work. (NSGC 1983)

What Do Genetic Counselors Do?•Provide 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.

• Identify families at risk, investigate the problem present, interpret information about the disorder, analyze inheritance patterns and risks of recurrence and review available options with the family.

Specialties

•The majority of genetic counselors practice in the following areas of specialty:▫Prenatal▫Pediatric▫Cancer Genetics

Prenatal GC Example

Ms. Roberts is a 28 year old woman. She is 17 weeks pregnant and this is her first pregnancy. She has a routine blood test at her OB’s office. She is told that it screens for Down syndrome and some other conditions. A week after the test ,she receives a call from the nurse saying she came back “screen positive” for trisomy 18. The nurse tells her the chance her baby has trisomy 18 is 1 in 100. She is referred to a genetic counselor.

Role of Prenatal GC

•Review results of screening test•Obtain pregnancy and family history•Explain the cause and features of trisomy

18•Discuss further testing options•Facilitate decision making•Follow-up with further testing results•Use counseling skills to help patient cope

with test results•Locate support resources for patient

Pediatric GC Example

Emily is a 2 year old girl who was born with profound hearing loss. She is the only individual in her family with hearing loss. She was recently evaluated by an ENT to consider cochlear implants. The ENT recommended that she have a Genetics evaluation to understand the cause of her hearing loss.

Role of Pediatric GC

•Work closely with a medical geneticist•Review medical records•Obtain pregnancy, medical and family

history•Discuss known causes of hearing loss•Discuss testing options•Coordinate testing•Counsel regarding test results and

recurrence risk•Provide written information• Identify appropriate community resources

Cancer GC Example

Mary is a 48 year old woman who is referred to a genetic counselor because her sister was recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer at age 52. Her father and paternal grandmother were also diagnosed with breast cancer at ages 58 and 45 respectively. Mary tells you her sister has a mutation in the BRCA2 gene.

Role of Cancer GC

• Obtain medical records and relative’s test results as appropriate

• Obtain family and medical history• Pedigree analysis• Discuss features and genetics of hereditary

breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (BRCA)• Discuss risks and benefits of genetic testing• Review cancer risks and options for risk

reduction• Arrange for testing if desired and follow-up

counseling

Where do GCs work?

•Majority of genetic counselors work at:▫University medical centers▫Private or public hospitals

•Some genetic counselors:▫Work in laboratories▫Coordinate research studies▫Are employed by the state▫Work in private industry

Where are GC Jobs Located?

NSGC 2012 Professional Status Survey

Salary

NSGC 2012 Professional Status Survey

Graduate Programs

www.abgc.net

Undergraduate Coursework• Each program has its own requirements

▫Check multiple program web sites for more information (www.abgc.net)

• Prerequisite coursework typically includes:▫One year of general biology▫One year of general chemistry▫One semester of biochemistry▫One semester of genetics▫One semester of statistics

In general, successful applicants have a minimum GPA of 3.0

Additional Application RequirementsVolunteer experience

Crisis counseling hotlines and Planned Parenthood

Experience working with individuals with special needs

Shadow a genetic counselorNSGC – Find a counselor (www.nsgc.org)

GREGRE scores at and above 70th percentile

range are considered competitiveSome programs require GRE specialty

exams as wellThree letters of recommendationPersonal statement

Application Process

•December/January▫Submit complete application and supporting

documentation•February/March

▫ Interviews•April

▫Decision Day

Graduate School

•Graduate coursework•Clinical Rotations•Thesis/Capstone Project

Resources for More Information• American Board of Genetic Counseling

▫www.abgc.net▫Accredits genetic counseling training programs and

administers certification for genetic counselors▫Has links to all training program websites

• National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC)▫www.nsgc.org▫Professional Society▫Has information on how to find a GC near you▫Has information about genetic counseling as a

career

Questions?

•Email: katie.farmer@tmh.org