Training

• Depending on the location, requirements to become a genetic counselor may vary. Generally, candidates complete a master's program in counseling and genetics, then they are required to pass an examination processed by a nationalized genetic counseling curriculum. Genetic counselors will be able to work with patients in a clinical setting during their training.
  
  

Significance

• There are a number of reasons to seek out genetic counseling, and in various situations patients can be referred. Parents are usually directed to a genetic counselor once a physician believes that they possibly will pass unsafe traits on to their offspring. Parents who have had unsuccessful pregnancies can decide to go to genetic counseling to uncover steps to avoid premature termination, if they choose to try to have a baby again. Individuals who are suffering from an illness that has a genetic connection are also sent to genetic counseling, just like patients with a family history of genetic disorders. You may also decide to get genetic counseling just out of curiosity.
  
  

Features

• DNA is the blueprint for our lives.black fingerprints image by Dovile Butvilaite from Fotolia.com
  
  Throughout a session, the genetic counselor will seek out information concerning family history and inquire about why the individual selected to have counseling. If the counselor believes that it is crucial, he may suggest genetic testing, which will usually be executed by a physician. After genetic testing, the patient will be able to meet with the counselor to discuss the outcome and any possible effects.
  
  

Effects

• The counselor will talk about the effects of having a mutation and the impact it will have on a person's life. Genetic counseling provides information regarding the possibility of issues appearing in the future, along with ways to avoid, detect and treat different ailments that are linked to your genes. The diagnosis of a harmful mutation could be a shocking experience, so genetic counseling provides a space to handle this type of news.
  
  

Where To Find A Genetic Counselor

• Your physician can guide you to a genetic counselor. Also, medical centers and universities usually have partnered genetic professionals or can offer referrals to a genetic treatment center. As more information has been studied regarding genetics, genetic counselors have become more specialized.