Should I Become a Genetic Counselor? Genetic counselors help educate people about their chances of inheriting genetic disorders or diseases using information from a patient's family medical history. They explain possible testing options and provide support to patients and family members. They also might educate other healthcare professionals, students, and the public about genetic disorders. Sharing potentially upsetting results with clients can be stressful.
Career Requirements Degree Level Master's degree Degree Field Genetic counseling, biology, psychology, or related field Licensure and Certification Certification is required by some employers; licensing is required by many states Experience Experience requirements vary by employer, but generally the minimum is two years Key Skills Excellent writing, communication, and decision-making skills; knowledge of human mutation databases and genome browsers; knowledge of Human Genome Variation Society (HGVS) nomenclature Median Salary (2015) $72,090 Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Steps to Become a Genetic Counselor Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree A bachelor's degree in biology or a healthcare-related field typically is a requirement for enrolling in a genetic counseling master's degree program. These programs provide students with the science and math knowledge needed for a career in genetic counseling. Coursework focused in genetics, biochemistry, and statistics is valuable to future genetic counselors.
Some schools offer internships or summer programs for students interested in genetic counseling. These programs provide students with a chance to gain experience at clinics or hospitals and prepare them for a graduate degree program. Also consider doing volunteer work or providing counseling. Performing work for a crisis hotline or reproductive counseling service can help provide the skills and qualifications needed for a graduate program in genetic counseling.
Step 2: Earn a Master's Degree A master's degree in genetic counseling usually is required for genetic counselor positions. These programs typically provide coursework in human genetics, lab work, counseling, and research. Students develop the skills needed to research, counsel, and consult with patients, their families, and members of the healthcare community to provide information on genetic conditions. Admission requirements usually include a bachelor's degree with credits in genetics, biochemistry, and statistics. Some schools require applicants to have performed some type of counseling work.
Step 3: Get Certified/Licensed The American Board of Genetic Counselors (ABGC) offers a certification program. This certification is technically voluntary; however, some states require it for licensing, and some employers prefer it. In addition, some states require genetic counselors to become licensed before performing work with the public. Certification requirements include completion of a graduate degree program in genetic counseling through an ABGC-accredited program and passage of a written exam. ABGC certification can serve as proof of competency and give job candidates an edge in employment.
Step 4: Gain Work Experience Entry-level positions allow genetic counselors to work under supervision, assessing patients, and providing counseling. More advanced positions allow genetic counselors to work independently at these duties, in addition to performing research and providing education to the public and healthcare professionals. The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) provides individuals with online education resources and opportunities to network with other members of the field. Courses go over self-marketing, mentoring, and instructional guides on starting a clinic.
Genetic Counselors need a field-specific master's degree, and certification and state licensure might be required.
The four-chambered in warm blooded mammals like frog's have three chambered of heart.
Otherwarm-blooded creatures, consume a great deal of vitality and need a lot of oxygen.This change bears the turtle's body blood that is somewhat more extravagant in oxygen than the frog's.
Advantages of fish-
The heart doesn't require extra chambers past the initial two.
Fish and different creatures with 2-chambered hearts, along these lines, have less difficult circulatory frameworks than creatures with lungs and therefore, 3-and 4-chambered hearts.
Advantages of Amphibians-
The amphibians have a three chambered of the heart which to be very helpful to amphibians of land and water.
Advantages of Reptiles-
The reptiles have a three-chambered heart comprising of one ventricle and two atria.
The chamber called the correct chamber gets d<em>eoxygenated, or "spent," blood coming back from the body tissues. </em>
Advantages of Mammals-
The four-chambered heart of feathered mammals and well evolved creatures advanced freely from a three-chambered heart.
Advantages of Birds -
Birds like mammals , similar to vertebrates, have a 4-chambered heart (2 atria and 2 ventricles), with complete division of oxygenated and de-oxygenated blood.
The correct ventricle siphons blood to the lungs, while the left ventricle siphons blood to the remainder of the body.
