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Genetic Counselors - 29-9092.00

O*NET-SOC Description

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.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Certified Genetic Counselor
  • Genetic Counselor
  • Medical Science Liaison
  • Prenatal and Pediatric Genetic Counselor
  • Reproductive Genetic Counseling Coordinator

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Analyze genetic information to identify patients or families at risk for specific disorders or syndromes.
  • 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.
  • Collect for, or share with, research projects patient data on specific genetic disorders or syndromes.
  • Design and conduct genetics training programs for physicians, graduate students, other health professions or the general community.
  • Determine or coordinate treatment plans by requesting laboratory services, reviewing genetics or counseling literature, and considering histories or diagnostic data.
  • Discuss testing options and the associated risks, benefits and limitations with patients and families to assist them in making informed decisions.
  • Engage in research activities related to the field of medical genetics or genetic counseling.
  • Evaluate or make recommendations for standards of care or clinical operations, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, ethics, legislation, or policies.
  • Explain diagnostic procedures such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS), ultrasound, fetal blood sampling, and amniocentesis.
  • Identify funding sources and write grant proposals for eligible programs or services.
  • Interpret laboratory results and communicate findings to patients or physicians.
  • Interview patients or review medical records to obtain comprehensive patient or family medical histories, and document findings.
  • Prepare or provide genetics-related educational materials to patients or medical personnel.
  • Provide counseling to patient and family members by providing information, education, or reassurance.
  • Provide genetic counseling in specified areas of clinical genetics, such as obstetrics, pediatrics, oncology and neurology.
  • Provide patients with information about the inheritance of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and various forms of cancer.
  • Read current literature, talk with colleagues, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in genetics.
  • Refer patients to specialists or community resources.
  • Write detailed consultation reports to provide information on complex genetic concepts to patients or referring physicians.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Advise medical personnel regarding healthcare issues.
  • Advise patients on effects of health conditions or treatments.
  • Analyze patient data to determine patient needs or treatment goals.
  • Analyze test data or images to inform diagnosis or treatment.
  • Collect medical information from patients, family members, or other medical professionals.
  • Communicate detailed medical information to patients or family members.
  • Conduct health or safety training programs.
  • Conduct research to increase knowledge about medical issues.
  • Develop healthcare quality and safety procedures.
  • Develop medical treatment plans.
  • Evaluate patient functioning, capabilities, or health.
  • Explain medical procedures or test results to patients or family members.
  • Gather medical information from patient histories.
  • Inform medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care.
  • Interact with patients to build rapport or provide emotional support.
  • Maintain medical or professional knowledge.
  • Order medical diagnostic or clinical tests.
  • Prepare healthcare training materials.
  • Prepare reports summarizing patient diagnostic or care activities.
  • Record patient medical histories.
  • Refer patients to other healthcare practitioners or health resources.
  • Train medical providers.

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Clinical Geneticist (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

DOT Crosswalk Titles

No information available.