About the Profession of Genetic Counseling

Genetic counselors play a crucial role in helping patients and families understand genetic information, the complexities of genetic testing, and the implications of genetic conditions. They provide the knowledge necessary for making informed decisions regarding family planning, medical interventions and preventive measures.

Often part of a multidisciplinary health care team, genetic counselors may specialize in areas such as prenatal, cancer genetics, and pediatrics. They can also work in genetic testing laboratories and non-clinical settings like public health or research. The field of genetic counseling is dynamic and continues to expand with advancements in science and technology.

A master’s degree in genetic counseling from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling is the primary prerequisite to sit for the certification examination through the American Board of Genetic Counseling Inc. Those who pass the examination earn the credential of Certified Genetic Counselor. To qualify for most genetic counselor positions in the United States and Canada, you must either hold this credential or be eligible to sit for the certification examination. It is also necessary for licensure in states that require a license to practice and by some insurance companies that only cover genetic testing for patients who have received counseling from a Certified Genetic Counselor.

Graduates of the UAMS Master of Science in Genetic Counseling Program are not only eligible for the ABGC certification examination but also receive training in delivering genetic counseling via telehealth throughout the curriculum, with the option to complete fieldwork training outside of Arkansas.

Graduates of the UAMS Master of Science in Genetic Counseling Program are eligible for any entry-level genetic counseling positions in any specialty. While new graduates typically seek employment as clinical genetic counselors, some pursue roles in hospital or industry laboratories, public health or research.

Graduates of the UAMS Master of Science in Genetic Counseling Program have enjoyed high success in finding employment as genetic counselors nationwide. For the past three years, 100% of our graduates have been offered genetic counseling positions within three months of graduation, with almost all accepting positions before graduation.

The career outlook for genetic counseling is positive with a demand for genetic counselors in diverse job opportunities. The National Society of Genetic Counselors noted in the 2024 Professional Status Survey that genetic counselors are applying their genetic expertise to careers in “administration, basic and behavioral research, public and professional education, educational content development and editing, public health, private industry, laboratory support, public policy, public relations and consulting”. 

The career outlook for genetic counseling is positive, with a growing demand for genetic counselors in diverse job opportunities. The National Society of Genetic Counselors noted in the 2024 Professional Status Survey that genetic counselors are applying their expertise to careers in fields including the following:

• Administration
• Basic and behavioral research
• Public and professional education
• Educational content development and editing
• Public health
• Private industry
• Laboratory support
• Public policy
• Public relations
• Consulting

Based on the 2024 Professional Status Survey by the National Society of Genetic Counselors, the average salary for a full-time genetic counselor is $106,306. In our experience, starting salaries for new graduates typically range from $70,000 to $85,000.

For more information about careers in genetic counseling or becoming a genetic counselor, please visit the National Society of Genetic Counselors website:

• About Genetic Counselors
• Becoming a Genetic Counselor

To identify accredited genetic counseling programs in the United States and Canada, please visit the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling website.