Genetic Counselors

This field of genetic counseling is expected to grow much faster than the average for all careers through 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Scientific developments in understanding adult genetic disorders and in reproductive technologies, as well as advances in cancer genomics research, have created new opportunities for treatment and testing. The data produced by the Human Genome Project (the mapping of human DNA) has created new ethical dilemmas as new genetic tests (such as for breast cancer) become available. This, in turn, has created an increasing need for individuals who can help patients understand the options these developments present, as well as their associated risks. In addition, more genetic tests are now covered by health insurance providers, which will increase the number of people who consult with genetic counselors.

The majority of genetic counselors work in traditional areas of genetic counseling: prenatal, cancer, and pediatric. An increasing number of genetic counselors are specializing in fields such as genomic medicine, neurogenetics, cardiovascular health, and psychiatry. The Department of Labor reports that "ongoing technological innovations are giving genetic counselors opportunities to conduct more types of analyses," noting that many new tests are covered by health insurance companies.