If you’ve ever wondered how healthcare professionals help patients navigate inherited conditions and make sense of genetic testing, you’re already thinking like a genetic counselor.

Genetic counselors are highly trained healthcare providers who specialize in helping people understand how genetics impacts their health. They blend scientific communication with empathy—offering both technical knowledge and emotional support to patients and families facing decisions about inherited conditions, family planning, cancer risks, and more.

Genetic counseling can offer a compelling path grounded in both human connection and clinical precision whether you are beginning to explore health careers or have a bachelors and are looking to pivot into a fast-growing field.  

What is a Genetic Counselor?

Genetic counselors are experts in both medical genetics and counseling. Their role is to assess a patient’s risk of genetic conditions based on personal and family medical history, explain complex genetic concepts in understandable terms, and help individuals and families make informed healthcare decisions.

They work closely with physicians, researchers, and other specialists in a wide range of settings—from hospitals and clinics to laboratories, research institutions, and telehealth services. Above all, they serve as compassionate guides, empowering patients with knowledge and support.

A Day in the Life: What Genetic Counselors Do  

A typical day for a genetic counselor might include:

  • Reviewing patients' medical and family histories
  • Meeting one-on-one with individuals or families to discuss genetic risks
  • Coordinating and interpreting genetic tests
  • Writing clinical reports for patients, physicians and healthcare providers
  • Educating patients on inherited conditions like Duchenne muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, hereditary cancer susceptibility, chromosome anomalies and much more
  • Educating patients about clinical research
  • Providing emotional support and resources for decision-making

While some genetic counselors meet with patients in person at hospitals or outpatient clinics, others conduct appointments remotely through telehealth. Many also participate in case conferences, collaborate with researchers, or mentor students in academic settings.

Every day brings a blend of science, storytelling, and support.

Career Paths in Genetic Counseling

Genetic counseling isn’t one-size-fits-all. As the field grows, so do the career options. Here are just a few examples:

  • Cancer Genetics: Help patients understand inherited cancer risks and navigate testing for genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2.
  • Prenatal and Reproductive Genetics: Support expectant parents facing complex choices during pregnancy.
  • Pediatric Genetics: Guide families whose children have—or are at risk for—genetic conditions.
  • Pharmacogenomics: Work at the cutting edge of personalized medicine, advising how genes affect medication response.
  • Research and Academia: Advance the field through teaching or clinical research.
  • Policy and Industry: Influence healthcare delivery and access through work with government agencies, nonprofits, or biotech companies.

Depending on your passions, you can remain patient-facing or work behind-the-scenes on systems-level impact.

Why This Work Matters

Genetic counselors don’t just deliver test results—they deliver peace of mind, clarity, and hope.

They help patients face questions about medical and genetic information with confidence and hope through education and awareness. They provide answers to questions that have lingered in families for generations. And they ensure that as science advances, compassion keeps pace.

How to Become a Genetic Counselor

To become a genetic counselor, you’ll need to complete a master’s degree from an accredited program. Coursework and training typically covers:

  • Medical genetics
  • Lab methodology and test interpretation
  • Genomics and molecular biology
  • Counseling skills
  • Research skills
  • Ethics and public health
  • Clinical rotations in diverse settings
  • At the MGH Institute of Health Professions, our Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program is designed to prepare professionals for clinical excellence and compassionate care. Students benefit from:
  • Immersive training within Boston’s world-class healthcare system Mass General Brigham
  • starting with your first semester Interprofessional education alongside other future healthcare leaders
  • Direct support in many forms such at peer mentoring (first years paired with second years), 1:1 faculty advising, and capstone advising.

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

If you're drawn to both science and service and a career that blends cutting-edge knowledge with human connection, genetic counseling may be the right path for you. Explore how you can become part of this meaningful work.