When deciding on a career or field of study, it is important to learn more about the field and determine if it's something you potentially want to pursue. What do genetic counselors do? Is genetic counseling a good fit for me, my values, interests, and goals? Are there other careers that may align better with my interests and skills? These are all important considerations for prospective GC applicants. The resources on this page are intended to give a broad overview of genetic counseling, encourage prospective applicants to reflect what it means to be a genetic counselor, and decide if they want to pursue genetic counseling as a career.

Overview of Genetic Counseling

Similar Careers to GC:

Genetics Nurse: 

"A genetics nurse is a licensed professional nurse with special education and training in genetics. Genetics nurses perform risk assessment, analyze the genetic contribution to disease risk, and discuss the impact of risk on health care management for individuals and families. They also provide genetics education, provide nursing care to patients and families and conduct research in genetics." (International Society of Nursing in Genetics)

Advanced Practice Nurses, such as Nurse Practitioners, are able to provide genetic counseling services, facilitate genetic testing, and interpret genetic test reports.

Resources:

• https://www.isong.org/page-1325051 

• This paper includes a figure outlining the differences between a genetics nurse and a genetic advanced practice nurse (such as a nurse practitioner): https://www.ons.org/cjon/21/3/scope-and-standards-defining-advanced-practice-role-genetics 

Nurse/Patient Navigator:

Nurse Navigators work directly with patients to help them navigate cancer screening or treatment and connect patients with resources. Nurse Navigators usually work closely with cancer GC's, and use many of the same skills as GC's, such as education, active listening, and advocacy, with a different scope of practice.

While a Nurse Navigator provides more clinical support and requires a nursing degree, Patient Navigators provide non-clinical support and focus on more day-to-day support for cancer patients and emotional support. 

Patient Navigator roles can also be a great experience if you are applying to genetic counseling programs! 

Resources:

• https://www.healthecareers.com/career-resources/nurse-career/what-is-a-nurse-navigator 

• https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/cancer-education-center/newsfeed-post/getting-to-the-heart-of-the-conversation-what-patient-navigators-do/