29-9092.00 Bright Outlook

Genetic Counselors

Assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. Provide information to other healthcare providers or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions. Advise individuals and families to support informed decisionmaking and coping methods for those at risk. May help conduct research related to genetic conditions or genetic counseling.

Career Cluster:Healthcare & Human Services
Job Family:Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
Job Zone:Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
STEM:Research, Development, Design, and Practitioners
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Technology Tools

Microsoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft Word

Key Tasks

  • Interpret laboratory results and communicate findings to patients or physicians.
  • Analyze genetic information to identify patients or families at risk for specific disorders or syndromes.
  • Discuss testing options and the associated risks, benefits and limitations with patients and families to assist them in making informed decisions.
  • Provide counseling to patient and family members by providing information, education, or reassurance.
  • Write detailed consultation reports to provide information on complex genetic concepts to patients or referring physicians.
  • Provide genetic counseling in specified areas of clinical genetics, such as obstetrics, pediatrics, oncology and neurology.
  • Determine or coordinate treatment plans by requesting laboratory services, reviewing genetics or counseling literature, and considering histories or diagnostic data.
  • Interview patients or review medical records to obtain comprehensive patient or family medical histories, and document findings.
  • Assess patients' psychological or emotional needs, such as those relating to stress, fear of test results, financial issues, and marital conflicts to make referral recommendations or assist patients in managing test outcomes.
  • Provide patients with information about the inheritance of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and various forms of cancer.
  • Read current literature, talk with colleagues, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in genetics.
  • Prepare or provide genetics-related educational materials to patients or medical personnel.
  • Explain diagnostic procedures such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS), ultrasound, fetal blood sampling, and amniocentesis.
  • Refer patients to specialists or community resources.
  • Design and conduct genetics training programs for physicians, graduate students, other health professions or the general community.
  • Evaluate or make recommendations for standards of care or clinical operations, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, ethics, legislation, or policies.
  • Engage in research activities related to the field of medical genetics or genetic counseling.
  • Collect for, or share with, research projects patient data on specific genetic disorders or syndromes.
  • Identify funding sources and write grant proposals for eligible programs or services.

Skills

Reading Comprehension
78%
Active Listening
75%
Complex Problem Solving
75%
Speaking
72%
Social Perceptiveness
72%
Active Learning
72%
Writing
72%
Critical Thinking
72%
Science
56%
Judgment and Decision Making
56%
Time Management
53%
Systems Analysis
53%
Instructing
53%
Service Orientation
53%
Coordination
50%
Persuasion
50%
Negotiation
50%
Systems Evaluation
50%
Monitoring
50%
Learning Strategies
50%
Management of Personnel Resources
47%
Mathematics
44%
Operations Monitoring
22%
Technology Design
13%
Programming
10%
Operations Analysis
6%
Management of Financial Resources
6%
Management of Material Resources
3%
Quality Control Analysis
3%
Repairing
0%
Troubleshooting
0%
Installation
0%
Operation and Control
0%
Equipment Selection
0%
Equipment Maintenance
0%

Knowledge

Biology
95%
Psychology
89%
Medicine and Dentistry
85%
Therapy and Counseling
84%
English Language
77%
Customer and Personal Service
72%
Mathematics
68%
Sociology and Anthropology
60%
Education and Training
59%
Chemistry
47%
Administrative
46%
Communications and Media
43%
Philosophy and Theology
41%
Computers and Electronics
36%
Law and Government
34%
Administration and Management
26%
Sales and Marketing
23%
Foreign Language
21%
Telecommunications
19%
Public Safety and Security
19%
Engineering and Technology
18%
Personnel and Human Resources
17%
Geography
16%
History and Archeology
10%
Production and Processing
10%
Economics and Accounting
9%
Physics
9%
Transportation
3%
Mechanical
2%
Design
2%
Fine Arts
0%
Food Production
0%
Building and Construction
0%

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Abilities

Written Comprehension
81%
Deductive Reasoning
78%
Problem Sensitivity
75%
Oral Expression
75%
Inductive Reasoning
75%
Oral Comprehension
75%
Written Expression
75%
Speech Recognition
72%
Information Ordering
72%
Speech Clarity
69%
Near Vision
60%
Category Flexibility
53%
Fluency of Ideas
53%
Mathematical Reasoning
53%
Flexibility of Closure
53%
Originality
53%
Selective Attention
50%
Perceptual Speed
47%
Speed of Closure
47%
Memorization
47%
Number Facility
47%
Far Vision
44%
Time Sharing
44%
Visualization
41%
Finger Dexterity
31%
Visual Color Discrimination
28%
Auditory Attention
25%
Hearing Sensitivity
22%
Control Precision
3%
Trunk Strength
3%
Extent Flexibility
0%
Reaction Time
0%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
0%
Night Vision
0%
Sound Localization
0%
Stamina
0%
Depth Perception
0%
Static Strength
0%
Explosive Strength
0%
Peripheral Vision
0%
Multilimb Coordination
0%
Spatial Orientation
0%
Speed of Limb Movement
0%
Dynamic Strength
0%
Glare Sensitivity
0%
Gross Body Equilibrium
0%
Wrist-Finger Speed
0%
Dynamic Flexibility
0%
Rate Control
0%
Response Orientation
0%
Manual Dexterity
0%
Gross Body Coordination
0%

Work Activities

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
94%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
94%
Getting Information
92%
Documenting/Recording Information
86%
Assisting and Caring for Others
86%
Working with Computers
82%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
81%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
79%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
78%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
78%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
76%
Processing Information
73%
Analyzing Data or Information
71%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
70%
Training and Teaching Others
66%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
65%
Performing Administrative Activities
60%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
60%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
60%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
57%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
51%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
50%
Coaching and Developing Others
48%
Scheduling Work and Activities
45%
Thinking Creatively
45%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
43%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
39%
Developing and Building Teams
38%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
36%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
28%
Staffing Organizational Units
26%
Selling or Influencing Others
15%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
11%
Handling and Moving Objects
9%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
9%
Performing General Physical Activities
7%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
7%
Controlling Machines and Processes
4%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
2%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
1%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
0%

Work Context

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

100%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

100%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

100%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

91%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

89%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

86%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

83%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

83%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

79%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

76%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

76%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

74%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

74%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

73%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

73%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

69%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

57%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

57%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

48%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

47%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

44%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

41%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

40%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

39%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

38%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

36%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

34%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

23%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

20%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

19%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

18%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

14%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

13%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

10%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

8%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

6%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

3%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

3%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

2%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

2%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

1%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

1%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

1%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

1%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

1%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

0%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

0%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

0%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

0%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

0%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

0%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

0%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

0%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

0%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

0%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

0%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

0%

Education

Master's degree

100%

Interests

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

81

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

74

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

48

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

29

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

22

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

11

Work Styles

Attention to Detail
100%
Empathy
100%
Dependability
88%
Cooperation
85%
Intellectual Curiosity
85%
Sincerity
84%
Cautiousness
77%
Social Orientation
75%
Integrity
74%
Self-Control
74%
Stress Tolerance
70%
Achievement Orientation
66%
Perseverance
62%
Adaptability
61%
Tolerance for Ambiguity
55%
Self-Confidence
53%
Humility
50%
Initiative
48%
Innovation
41%
Optimism
38%
Leadership Orientation
29%

Work Values

Relationships
83%
Achievement
67%
Recognition
67%
Independence
61%
Working Conditions
61%
Support
56%

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