How hard is it to become a genetic counselor?

Becoming a genetic counselor can be challenging as it requires extensive education and hands-on experience. The career path to becoming a genetic counselor typically involves obtaining a Bachelor's degree in a related field such as biology or psychology, followed by a Master's degree in Genetic Counseling. Many programs also require applicants to have some counseling or patient advocacy experience before admission.

What degree do you need to be a genetic counselor?

You need a master's degree in genetic counseling to be a genetic counselor. To obtain your master's degree, you must first get a bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, genetics, psychology, or sociology. You must also take courses that focus on statistics and biostatistics.

How To Become A Genetic Counselor: What It Is and Career Path

What is a genetic counselor and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Juleen Buser Ph.D.

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 general advice would you give to a genetic counselor?

Juleen Buser Ph.D.

Professor and Director, School Counseling and Coaching Programs, Rider University

Counseling Services (school counseling concentration) and an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (we have a CMHC concentration and a Dance Movement Therapy concentration in this program). The general advice I would give to graduates starting positions in the counseling field would be to understand the critical importance of the work of helping professionals. Counselors optimally provide a safe space for clients to discuss their fears, worries, anxieties, joys, traumas, insecurities, accomplishments, etc. This ability to be an empathic, listening, accepting presence will be even more crucial for clients in our current situation.

ScoreGenetic CounselorUS Average

Salary

5.8

Avg. Salary $74,761

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.3

Growth rate 18%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

7.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.54%

Asian 8.39%

Black or African American 9.47%

Hispanic or Latino 15.12%

Unknown 4.10%

White 61.39%

Gender

female 88.14%

male 11.86%

Age - 38

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 38

Stress level

6.3

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

9.9

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.3

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a genetic counselor

Explore genetic counselor education requirements

Most common genetic counselor degrees

Bachelor's

55.9 %

Master's

37.8 %

Doctorate

2.7 %

Start to develop specific genetic counselor skills

Skills	Percentages
Patients	38.37%
Test Results	10.41%
Family History	9.80%
Genetic Disorders	7.09%
Informed Consent	4.54%

Complete relevant genetic counselor training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New genetic counselors learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a genetic counselor based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real genetic counselor resumes.

Research genetic counselor duties and 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.

Prepare your genetic counselor resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your genetic counselor resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a genetic counselor resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable genetic counselor resume templates

Build a professional genetic counselor resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your genetic counselor resume.