Genetic Counselors

Employers

Genetic counselors are employed by private and public hospitals, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), diagnostic laboratories, university medical centers, government agencies, and physicians in private practice. They also work for biotech companies that develop, sell, and perform genetic tests, in research, and in education as teachers or advisers. Some work in their own private practices, independent of a physician. According to the Department of Labor, 80 percent of genetic counselors work for hospitals; physicians offices; outpatient care centers; medical and diagnostic laboratories; or colleges, universities, and professional schools.

Starting Out

Genetic counselors just starting their career may find career guidance and job leads from contacts made during their graduate program. Their graduate school should have a career and placement center that can help in arranging job interviews. In addition, contacts made during graduate work in the clinical field (a requirement for all genetic counseling programs) will also be useful when applying for jobs.