Genetic Counselors with Multiple Degrees and Job Experiences.
Many genetic counselors have had other careers or job experiences which they have combined with their training as a genetic counselor. Learn about some creative ways that genetic counselors have
used previous degrees and training.
Teachers
“I have been a public school educator for over 30 years, teaching
all grades(1-7). I have an MEd with a specialty in reading
disabilities. Currently, I am an educational consultant/Genetic
counselor working with special education students carrying a
genetic diagnosis.”
“I am a Genetic counselor at a nonprofit facility for people with
developmental disabilities. My duties include genetic counseling,
staff training, participation in school meetings aimed at developing
appropriate educational and medical goals for students with
genetic syndromes, and research into behavioral and cognitive
phenotypes. My position has allowed me to combine my genetics
training with previous experience as a teacher and ongoing 'immersion'
in the field of developmental disabilities.”
“I taught English as a second language for many years. I am currently
writing and publishing visual aids for genetic counselors in
both English & Spanish. My teaching experience helped me in
the preparation of my book.”
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Librarian
“When I changed careers - from masters level medical librarian
to masters level genetic counselor - I brought all my information
gathering skills with me. I now continue to help other professionals
find needed resources; I use these talents too, to help myself
instruct students, research problems that relate to our patients,
and provide parental support.”
Graphic designer
“As the marketing representative for a large university laboratory,
I utilize my genetic counseling background to promote and educate
clients about our genetic testing panel and clinical services.
I use my graphic design background to also design each piece;
by doing the layout, typesetting, photography, and pre-press
color separations for printing. This includes anything from
our test requisition forms to patient educational pamphlets.”.
Molecular biologist
“I have a doctorate in molecular biology and substantial laboratory
experience. When I worked in genetics clinic, this certainly
helped in explaining the nature of the testing that was performed
and its limitations. I now work as the counselor in a diagnostic
laboratory. Obviously, my prior lab experience and knowledge
of test methodologies helps greatly. My responsibilities include
reviewing incoming cases for information such as family history,
prior test results, indication for testing, and ethnicity.
I also review all lab data, calculate post-test risks, generate
laboratory reports, call out prenatal results, and results in
other pressing cases. I also serve as the primary contact for
the physician and counselors.”
Nurse
“My past experience in obstetrical nursing has been invaluable
in working with.teratogen exposures and running a Teratogen
Information Service. More recently, my credentials as a pediatric
nurse practitioner have opened up new aspects of clinical genetics.
For example, I now staff a Fetal Alcohol Syndrome clinic without
a physician-- I do the history, physical exam, risk estimate,
and counseling.”
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Fundraiser
“I work as a genetic counselor and protocol coordinator for
research investigating hereditary hearing loss and central auditory
processing deficits. This involves ascertaining and screening
families, consenting participants, requesting medical records,
scheduling appointments, providing genetic counseling and follow-up
care. I spent approximately 7 years working in fundraising before
returning to school for my Master’s degree in Human Genetics.
Although I do no fundraising in my current position (it's funded
by the NIH), there is crossover in many of the skills necessary
for each field.”
Public Health Education Specialist
"I am a genetic counselor with an additional masters degree in Public Health, specializing in Health Education. I am currently employed at the National office of the March
of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, where I am working as the Director of Professional
Genetics Education. In this role I oversee the running of several professional
genetics education programs entitled Genetics & Your Practice (an Educational
lecture series, CD-ROM and web site). These programs have been developed to educate
healthcare and social service professionals to help them integrate genetics into
their practice. Other responsibilities include grant and budget management, program
planning, providing educational lectures both in-house and at external conferences,
and representing the March of Dimes at several genetics meetings.”
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