Newbie my appologies
I am doing genetic counseling on a few Dr's cases and the results have been very positive.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/09/jobs/09starts.html?_r=1
According to the National Society of Genetic Counselors, some 3,000 people are now practicing in the field, and there are more than 25 graduate training programs. The society itself has more than 2,550 members. Beyond being hired by university medical centers, genetic counselors are sought by doctors in private practice, research facilities and diagnostic laboratories. There are also jobs for them in the public health arena.
Genetic counselors typically have undergraduate degrees in fields like biology, psychology, nursing or genetics, and go on to complete a two-year master’s program in genetic counseling. Many also pursue certification through the American Board of Genetic Counseling. Two states, Utah and Oklahoma, currently require licensing in the field, and four others have passed legislation to do so.
So - you've taken or are in the process of taking these courses to become certified??
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http://www.nsgc.org/About/FAQsaboutGeneticCounselorsandtheNSGC/tabid/143/Default.aspx
Who are Genetic Counselors?
Genetic counselors are health professionals with specialized graduate degrees and experience in the areas of medical genetics and counseling. Most enter the field from a variety of disciplines, including biology, genetics, nursing, psychology, public health and social work. (see "How to Become a Genetic Counselor").
Genetic counselors work as members of a health care team, providing information and support to families who have members with birth defects or genetic disorders and to families who may be at risk for a variety of inherited conditions. They identify families at risk, investigate the problem present in the family, interpret information about the disorder, analyze inheritance patterns and risks of recurrence and review available options with the family.
Genetic counselors also provide supportive counseling to families, serve as patient advocates and refer individuals and families to community or state support services. They serve as educators and resource people for other health care professionals and for the general public. Some counselors also work in administrative capacities. Many engage in research activities related to the field of medical genetics and genetic counseling. (Adopted by the National Society of Genetic Counselors, Inc. 1983)
Does NSGC certify genetic counselors?
No. A separate entity, the American Board of Genetic Counseling, certifies genetic counselors and accredits genetic counseling training programs. The National Society of Genetic Counselors is the professional membership association for the genetic counseling profession. Because we offer educational programs, it would be considered a conflict of interest for us to administer the Board exams.
http://www.abgc.net/ABGC/AmericanBoardofGeneticCounselors.asp
http://www.abgc.net/Certification/become_a_genetic_counselor.asp
Graduate Requirements
In order to become a Certified Genetic Counselor (CGC®), one must obtain a Master’s degree in Genetic Counseling from an ABGC Accredited Program. Once all requirements have been met, one may apply and sit for the Certification Examination
At this time, there are no other pathways through which a person can become a Certified Genetic Counselor.
Undergraduate Requirements
Applicants to accredited master degree programs in genetic counseling must have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited undergraduate institution prior to applying. Most often individuals that are interested in pursuing a career in genetic counseling are those with a prior interest in or baccaulature degree in medical sciences, psychology, or healthcare. However, undergraduate degrees in these areas are not required for entrance into an accredited master’s degree program in genetic counseling.
http://www.abgc.net/Resources_Links/FAQs.asp