Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Genetic Counselor
What genetic counselors actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a genetic counselor?
Review family history for a new patient. From there, the day usually includes take family histories, assess genetic risk, and explain testing options. Most work full-time weekday hours; many roles are remote.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a genetic counselor working full time.
- Review family history for a new patient.
- Counsel a patient about hereditary cancer testing.
- Explain prenatal screening results.
- Review a lab report.
- Disclose a positive result.
- Write a consult letter.
- Meet with the care team.
Where genetic counselors work
Genetic counselors work in hospitals, clinics, labs and via telehealth.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time weekday hours; many roles are remote.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Take family histories
- Assess genetic risk
- Explain testing options
- Order and interpret genetic tests
- Explain results
- Provide emotional support
- Coordinate with physicians
Tools you’ll use every day
- Pedigree software
- Genetic test portals
- Electronic health records
- Telehealth platforms
- Risk models
- Variant databases
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Much faster-than-average growth
- Remote options
- Meaningful counseling
- Science-focused
What’s hard
- Master’s degree required
- Emotional conversations
- Rapidly changing science
- Insurance barriers to testing
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love genetics
- I’m a caring communicator
- I can explain complex ideas simply
- I want remote options
- I handle emotional conversations
- I’m willing to earn a master’s
Not sure? Take the free Genetic Counselor fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Protect genetic privacy
- Get informed consent
- Avoid overstating results
- Support emotional safety