Genetic Counseling as a Profession

Genetic counseling is the process of helping people understand and adapt to the medical, psychological and familial implications of genetic contributions to disease. This process integrates:

• Interpretation of family and medical histories to assess the chance of disease occurrence or recurrence.
• Education about inheritance, testing, management, prevention, resources and research.
• Counseling to promote informed choices and adaptation to the risk or condition.
   

National Society of Genetic Counselors, 2005

FAQs about Genetic Counselors and the NSGC

Find members of NSGC through the Find A Genetic Counselor search.  Genetic counselors work in university medical centers, community clinics, public health departments, diagnostic laboratories, and many other health, education, and related agencies. Board certification is granted through the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) which also accredits training programs.  A growing number of states now license genetic counselors.