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Genetic counselor vs information technology technician

The differences between genetic counselors and information technology technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a genetic counselor has an average salary of $74,761, which is higher than the $49,031 average annual salary of an information technology technician.

The top three skills for a genetic counselor include patients, test results and family history. The most important skills for an information technology technician are customer service, troubleshoot, and technical support.

Genetic counselor vs information technology technician overview

Genetic CounselorInformation Technology Technician
Yearly salary$74,761$49,031
Hourly rate$35.94$23.57
Growth rate18%10%
Number of jobs27,215118,881
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Average age4042
Years of experience-2

What does a genetic counselor do?

A genetic counselor is a healthcare professional who is responsible for providing risk assessment, education, and support to individuals and families who are at risk for a variety of inherited conditions. Using their specialization in medical genetics and counseling, genetic counselors empower their patients by helping them understand the ways genetics can affect life. They provide emotional support to individuals and families by offering genetic counseling. Genetic counselors must also interpret genetic testing and explain information to their patients in a way that is easy to understand.

What does an information technology technician do?

An information technology technician, also known as an IT technician, is responsible for ensuring that all computer systems in a company or organization are running smoothly and efficiently. Their duties primarily revolve around installing and maintaining systems, including software and hardware, and resolving any issues. They also provide technical support such as troubleshooting, navigation, and even system upgrades. Furthermore, an information technology technician can choose whether to work for a company or independently.

Genetic counselor vs information technology technician salary

Genetic counselors and information technology technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Genetic CounselorInformation Technology Technician
Average salary$74,761$49,031
Salary rangeBetween $38,000 And $143,000Between $28,000 And $83,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAUrban Honolulu, HI
Highest paying stateCaliforniaHawaii
Best paying companyHoagCravath
Best paying industryNon ProfitsFinance

Differences between genetic counselor and information technology technician education

There are a few differences between a genetic counselor and an information technology technician in terms of educational background:

Genetic CounselorInformation Technology Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Most common majorMental Health CounselingComputer Science
Most common collegeJohns Hopkins UniversityStanford University

Genetic counselor vs information technology technician demographics

Here are the differences between genetic counselors' and information technology technicians' demographics:

Genetic CounselorInformation Technology Technician
Average age4042
Gender ratioMale, 11.9% Female, 88.1%Male, 84.8% Female, 15.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 8.4% White, 61.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%Black or African American, 10.9% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 11.8% White, 55.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage10%11%

Differences between genetic counselor and information technology technician duties and responsibilities

Genetic counselor example responsibilities.

  • Maintain IRB and human subjects data.
  • Coordinate, interpret and summarize results of DNA linkage analysis and chromosome studies.
  • Maintain all documents including regulatory binders, IRB protocols, consent forms, and other study relate material.
  • Coordinate and facilitate genetic testing for all patients interest in pursuing testing.
  • Provide patients with case management and disease management including community resources, advocacy, and education.
  • Study the molecular link between carcinoma, melanoma, and inflammation using different nonclinical model systems.
  • Show more

Information technology technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage and execute project to remotely upgrade VPN clients
  • Manage incoming tickets and incidents in remedy and troubleshooting.
  • Manage backups, replications and disaster recovery plans of company mission critical servers and database files to ensure redundancy.
  • Analyze and maintain OS and domain account information across systems to ensure efficient and security workstations and virtual computing environments.
  • Provide implementation coordination, vendor management, and training for voice over IP project (VOIP).
  • Work on multiple projects dealing with VMware, server installation, computer repair, web design, and networking.
  • Show more

Genetic counselor vs information technology technician skills

Common genetic counselor skills
  • Patients, 38%
  • Test Results, 10%
  • Family History, 10%
  • Genetic Disorders, 7%
  • Informed Consent, 5%
  • Genetic Services, 3%
Common information technology technician skills
  • Customer Service, 14%
  • Troubleshoot, 10%
  • Technical Support, 5%
  • Desk Support, 4%
  • Computer System, 3%
  • Network Printers, 3%

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