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Exploring Health Professions
Genetic Counseling
Genetic counselors provide information to individuals
and families who have questions about genetic conditions
or birth defects. They also help those receiving the
information to process and understand it. To support
individuals and families as they adapt and cope with
genetic conditions, genetic counselors integrate
short-term psychological counseling with their knowledge
of the principles of human genetics.
Most genetic counselors hold a master's degree in
genetic counseling. Their graduate education involves
courses in the hard sciences and the social sciences, as
well as in bioethics, public policy and health
education. Some work in prenatal settings, some in
pediatric settings and still others in adult genetic
clinics.
For more information contact the National Society of
Genetic Counselors, (301) 571-1825 or try
www.faseb.org/genetics.
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