What Is a Genetic Counsellor? Skills, Salary, and More

Genetic counsellors are experts in medical genetics that support families and individuals looking to undertake genetic testing to assess the risks of developing certain inherited disorders, given their family history. Genetic counselling is a growing field, and innovative technologies continue to give genetic counsellors new ways to analyse genetic data and help people.  

Discover more about genetic counsellors, including what they do, how much they earn, and different specialisations in the field. Learn the steps you'll need to take to join the profession and explore cost-effective online courses to help you get started today.

What is a genetic counsellor?

A genetic counsellor advises people on genetic conditions that might affect them or their relatives by assessing their family history. These conditions may include chromosomal disorders such as Down syndrome and fragile X syndrome, multifactorial disorders like cancer and diabetes, or monogenic disorders including cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease. 

In this position, you will work closely with patients to educate them on types of hereditary conditions following their assessment, discussing whether they need genetic testing and the various options available, including any ethical considerations. People undergo genetic counselling for many reasons, such as when they are pregnant or thinking of starting a family and want to know the risks of their child developing a specific genetic condition or when managing their own health or that of a family member.   

What does a genetic counsellor do?

Genetic counsellors work with people concerned with genetic predispositions at all stages of life. You could perform prenatal screening to determine whether a baby is likely to be born with a hereditary disease or condition or work with adults to assess whether they are likely to develop genetic diseases following the onset of specific symptoms. 

You will also provide support following testing, helping people adapt to the implications of results on their physical, mental, and familial well-being. 

Typically, as a genetic counsellor, you can expect to engage in tasks like the following:

• Interview patients to understand their medical and family history.

• Assess whether patients are at risk from genetic disorders using information from their family history.

• Discuss testing options with patients, including risks, social and ethical considerations, and benefits.

• Support patients and their families with counselling and education following results and before testing.

• Refer patients to necessary medical professionals.

• Perform prenatal genetic screening and pregnancy counselling.

• Support couples through premarital genetic screening and help families care for affected children.

Genetic counsellors typically work in hospitals or clinics, often for the NHS, but you could also work in private settings.

Genetic counsellor salary

According to Glassdoor UK’s September 2024 data, the estimated median salary for genetic counsellors in the UK is £46,380 per year. Salaries typically range from £40,000 to £53,000 annually [1]. Remember, your precise earnings will vary according to experience, location, type of employer, and industry. 

Job outlook and related roles

The number of genetic counsellors in the UK is around 330, and there are about 7,000 employees worldwide [2]. Most are employed by the NHS.  

Career progression is positive, with plenty of options for specialising in a particular area, such as oncology and prenatal. You’ll find some niche specialisations, such as psychiatric genetic counsellors and chromosomal disorders counsellors, and the opportunity to move into more senior positions with management responsibility. 

Genetic counselling specialisations

Genetic counsellors can practise generally or specialise in a single area relating to a type of condition or group of conditions. As a genetic counsellor, you can also specialise in working with a particular population, such as children. 

Cardiology 

Genetic counsellors specialising in cardiology work with people to establish a genetic risk for cardiovascular diseases, such as sudden death syndrome, hypercholesterolemia, and cardiomyopathy. In this specialisation, you might collect information on family history, make recommendations for screening when necessary, and support patients through genetic testing, diagnosis, and options available.

Neurology

A specialisation in neurology means that a genetic counsellor is qualified to establish a genetic link for neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's, dementia, and epilepsy. In this specialisation, you might work with patients to decide whether they want to undergo testing, helping them understand the implications of doing so and supporting them through the process after they've received their results.

Oncology 

Oncology specialists look for inherited risks of all types of cancer. By specialising in oncology, you would support patients and help them understand the risks of having children and passing on hereditary cancer genes. You could also offer cancer screening and discuss treatment options and risk reduction strategies.

Pediatrics

Genetic counsellors specialising in paediatrics work with families of children diagnosed with or at risk of developing an inherited condition. You would work hands-on to advise families on their medical options and offer emotional support.

Preconception

Preconception genetic counsellors work with couples seeking to conceive to assess their genetic predispositions and offer advice and guidance on lifestyle and health to support a low-risk pregnancy. 

Prenatal

Genetic counsellors specialising in prenatal offer screening to expectant parents to determine the risks of their baby having genetic disorders. It can be a standard part of pregnancy care for patients considered at high risk—generally those over 35 years of age.

Steps to becoming a genetic counsellor

Genetic counsellors are highly qualified and undertake many years of education and training to do their job effectively, which generally takes a minimum of six years. The following offers a glimpse into what you can expect to do to join the profession:

1. Complete a bachelor’s degree

The first step to becoming a genetic counsellor is to earn a degree in a field such as genetics, biomedical science, biology, or nursing. However, subjects like psychology and social science are also acceptable. 

2. Choose your route

After completing your degree, you have choices about the route to qualify as a genetic counsellor. These include:

Earning a master’s degree

A popular route is to take a master’s degree accredited by the Genetic Counselling Registration Board (GCRB). This option typically qualifies you for a Band 6 pole under supervision for two years, before you can register to work as a genetic counsellor. 

Apply for the Scientist Training Programme

An alternative to a two-year master’s degree is applying for the Scientist Training Programme (STP) in genomic counselling. This programme involves a three-year work placement in a Band 6 role and includes a master’s degree in genetic counselling. Completing the programme comes with registration to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a clinical scientist. 

Make a career change

If you already work as a registered nurse or midwife with training in counselling and human genetics, you can work for two years in a supervised Band 6 position, similar to those taking the master’s route. 

Develop relevant skills

As a genetic counsellor, you'll use technical skills, like knowledge of research methods and lab techniques, alongside workplace skills that are vital to working with patients and other medical professionals. These workplace skills include:

• Interpersonal skills: To simplify complex medical information for patients and caregivers to understand.

• Compassion: When dealing with people who have found out worrying or upsetting information about their health or that of someone with whom they are close.

• Critical thinking: To work out how best to present information to patients and how best to analyse risks.

• Decision-making: This is essential when considering how best to share knowledge with patients and their families. 

Build relevant skills for your genetic counsellor career

Genetic counselling is a skilled profession that requires education, experience, and supervision to qualify. As a result, you’ll find rewarding opportunities with organisations like the NHS or those in the private sector. Additionally, you can specialise in areas such as cancer.

If a career as a genetic counsellor sounds interesting to you, then you might consider taking a cost-effective online course to familiarise yourself with the field better. Duke University's An Introduction to Genetics and Evolution, offered on Coursera, gives course-takers a basic overview of some of the primary principles behind fundamental areas of biology and prepares them for more advanced coursework in the field.

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