Occupation AtlasGenetic Counselors
O*NET · 29-9092.00
Genetic Counselors
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.
Also called Cancer Genetic Counselor · Cancer Program Consultant · Cardiovascular Genetics Counselor · Certified Genetic Counselor (CGC) · CGC · Chromosomal Disorders Counselor · Clinical Genetic Counselor · Clinical Reviewer
12 more
Genetic Coordinator · Genetic Counseling Medical Specialist · Genetic Services Coordinator · Hereditary Cancer Program Coordinator · Lab Genetic Counselor · Lab Genetic Counselor (Laboratory Genetic Counselor) · Medical Science Liaison · Mitochondrial Disorders Counselor · Pediatric Genetic Counselor · Pediatric Genetics Clinical Coordinator · Prenatal Genetic Counselor · Reproductive Genetic Counseling Coordinator
Compare with another occupationCompare with Political Scientists
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed
Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree, with extensive skill, knowledge and experience — many of these occupations expect more than five years of experience.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
ISCInvestigative · Social · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order
- I Investigative5.86
- S Social5.45
- C Conventional3.89
- E Enterprising2.73
- A Artistic2.34
- R Realistic1.66
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- None (57%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Up to and including 1 month (33%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (33%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.1Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- WritingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- Active LearningbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
- SpeakingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.4Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- CoordinationImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
- InstructingImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
Show the other 23
- Service OrientationImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
- Time ManagementImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
- NegotiationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- PersuasionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- SciencebasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
- Systems AnalysisImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Systems EvaluationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.6Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- ProgrammingImportance 1.3Level —
- Technology DesignImportance 1.3Level —
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.1Level —
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.1Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.0Level —
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.0Level —
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
18 core · 1 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Analyze genetic information to identify patients or families at risk for specific disorders or syndromes.Importance 5.0
- Provide genetic counseling in specified areas of clinical genetics, such as obstetrics, pediatrics, oncology and neurology.Importance 5.0
- Provide counseling to patient and family members by providing information, education, or reassurance.Importance 5.0
- Discuss testing options and the associated risks, benefits and limitations with patients and families to assist them in making informed decisions.Importance 5.0
- Interpret laboratory results and communicate findings to patients or physicians.Importance 4.9
- Interview patients or review medical records to obtain comprehensive patient or family medical histories, and document findings.Importance 4.9
- Provide patients with information about the inheritance of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and various forms of cancer.Importance 4.9
- Assess patients' psychological or emotional needs, such as those relating to stress, fear of test results, financial issues, and marital conflicts to make referral recommendations or assist patients in managing test outcomes.Importance 4.7
- Write detailed consultation reports to provide information on complex genetic concepts to patients or referring physicians.Importance 4.7
- Read current literature, talk with colleagues, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in genetics.Importance 4.7
- Determine or coordinate treatment plans by requesting laboratory services, reviewing genetics or counseling literature, and considering histories or diagnostic data.Importance 4.6
- Explain diagnostic procedures such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS), ultrasound, fetal blood sampling, and amniocentesis.Importance 4.5
Show the other 7
- Refer patients to specialists or community resources.Importance 4.4
- Prepare or provide genetics-related educational materials to patients or medical personnel.Importance 4.1
- Evaluate or make recommendations for standards of care or clinical operations, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, ethics, legislation, or policies.Importance 4.0
- Engage in research activities related to the field of medical genetics or genetic counseling.Importance 3.6
- Design and conduct genetics training programs for physicians, graduate students, other health professions or the general community.Importance 3.3
- Collect for, or share with, research projects patient data on specific genetic disorders or syndromes.Importance 3.3
- Identify funding sources and write grant proposals for eligible programs or services.Importance 2.9
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- BiologyImportance 4.8Level 5.9
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 4.6Level 5.6
- English LanguageImportance 4.5Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 4.5Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Fill a tooth cavity
- PsychologyImportance 4.5Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.1Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- Education and TrainingImportance 3.6Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- MathematicsImportance 3.5Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
Show all 33
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 3.5Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.1Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- AdministrativeImportance 3.0Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Communications and MediaImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
- ChemistryImportance 2.7Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.6Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.4Level 2.8
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.3Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 2.3Level 2.9
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.2Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.1Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.9Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- GeographyImportance 1.8Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- Sales and MarketingImportance 1.8Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.7Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.6Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.6Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- PhysicsImportance 1.4Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
- TransportationImportance 1.4Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- DesignImportance 1.3Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.1Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.1Level —
- MechanicalImportance 1.1Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.0Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.1Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.1Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 4.0Level 4.6Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- Problem SensitivityImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Speech RecognitionImportance 4.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Written ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
Show all 52
- Information OrderingImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Near VisionImportance 3.4Level 3.8
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
- OriginalityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- MemorizationImportance 2.9Level 2.9
- Number FacilityImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- Selective AttentionImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Time SharingImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
- Far VisionImportance 2.6Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.6Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- VisualizationImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.1Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.1Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Finger DexterityImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Trunk StrengthImportance 1.4Level 0.6
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.1Level —
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.0Level —
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.0Level —
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
- Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Getting InformationImportance 5.0Level 5.9
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 5.0Level 6.5Level 7 looks like: Learn information related to a complex and rapidly changing technology
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 4.9Level 6.1Level 7 looks like: Interpret a complex experiment in physics for general audiences
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 4.8Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.8Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.7Level 5.8
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 4.6Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.6Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
Show all 41
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.5Level 5.7
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.5Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.4Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Processing InformationImportance 4.4Level 5.8
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 4.3Level 5.6
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 4.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 4.0Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.8Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.6Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.5Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.4Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.3Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.2Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.1Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 2.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 2.8Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.8Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.2Level 2.6
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 1.8Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.2Level —
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.1Level —
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.1Level —
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.1Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.1Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.0Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
24 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (4)
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Microsoft Outlookhot
- Microsoft PowerPointhot
Hot (2; 4 more marked hot above)
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Word
Other tools (18)
- Benetech PRA
- BRCAPRO
- Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool
- CancerGene
- CyrillicSoftware Cyrillic
- Database software
- FileMaker Pro
- Ftree
- Jurek Software Pedigree-Draw
- Medgen PED
- PedHunter
- PediDraw
- Pedigree drawing and management software
- Progeny Software Progeny Clinical
- Prognosis Innovation Healthcare ChartAccess
- SynDiag
- Wageningen MapChart
- Web browser software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
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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. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.