How to become a Genetic Counselor
Official title: Genetic Counselors
Also called: Cardiovascular Genetics Counselor, Certified Genetic Counselor (CGC), Clinical Genetic Counselor, Genetic Services Coordinator, Hereditary Cancer Program Coordinator, Lab Genetic Counselor (Laboratory Genetic Counselor), Medical Science Liaison, Pediatric Genetics Clinical Coordinator, Prenatal Genetic Counselor, Reproductive Genetic Counseling Coordinator
Assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. Provide information to other healthcare providers or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions. Advise individuals and families to support informed decisionmaking and coping methods for those at risk. May help conduct research related to genetic conditions or genetic counseling.
Main tasks
- Provide counseling to patient and family members by providing information, education, or reassurance.
- Analyze genetic information to identify patients or families at risk for specific disorders or syndromes.
- Provide genetic counseling in specified areas of clinical genetics, such as obstetrics, pediatrics, oncology and neurology.
- Discuss testing options and the associated risks, benefits and limitations with patients and families to assist them in making informed decisions.
- Interview patients or review medical records to obtain comprehensive patient or family medical histories, and document findings.
- Provide patients with information about the inheritance of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and various forms of cancer.
- Interpret laboratory results and communicate findings to patients or physicians.
- Write detailed consultation reports to provide information on complex genetic concepts to patients or referring physicians.
How to become one
Genetic counselors typically need a master's degree in genetic counseling. Nearly all states require genetic counselors to be licensed, and licensure typically requires board certification.
Typical education to start: Master's degree
Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Ways in
- College: Science degrees, Offered by 36 universities in the US
- Licence: A licence is required in 23 states.
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Median pay: $100,040 a year The middle half earn $88,900 to $116,140.
- About 4,200 people work in this job now, and about 4,600 are projected by 2035. (+10.4%)
- People already use generative AI for a good share of this work, which usually changes the job more than it replaces it. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as high.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Genetic Counselor?
Genetic counselors typically need a master's degree in genetic counseling. Nearly all states require genetic counselors to be licensed, and licensure typically requires board certification.
How much does a Genetic Counselor earn in the US?
Median full-time pay is $100,040 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $88,900 to $116,140.
Is a Genetic Counselor a growing career in the US?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 10% by 2035, from about 4,200 to about 4,600 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Do you need a degree to become a Genetic Counselor?
Usually. 73% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Will AI change the work of a Genetic Counselor?
People already use generative AI for a good share of this work, which usually changes the job more than it replaces it. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as high.
Sources
- Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.