Do you know that the field of Genetic Counselling is an untapped resource for career growth and development? Believe us! There are several opportunities including clinical research, diagnostics, and genetic testing. With the growth of the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors in India, there is an increased need for qualified professionals to help develop new treatments and technologies related to genetic testing and diagnosis. Here, we will discuss the job nature, career prerequisites and salary prospects of the Genetic Counselling field to help you acquaint yourself with the possibilities of this emerging career. Read on…
Understanding the job nature
The job titles for Genetic Counsellors vary, depending on the type of practice you work in. In India, as a Genetic Counsellor, you can often work in research-oriented positions, such as academic positions, and clinical positions. In academic positions, you may conduct research and teach courses in Genetics.
In clinical settings, you will be responsible for diagnosing genetic conditions, educating patients about their options, and referring them to relevant specialists. You will forecast, assess, and analyse the risk of genetically inherited disease in individuals, family members, and groups using the fundamentals of genetics. You will typically collaborate directly with patients or medical staff to advise patients about the benefits and hazards of their genetic makeup. Your major responsibilities will be:
- Face-to-face, telephone, and video call management of patient caseloads
- Examining family and medical histories to assess the likelihood of a disease’s occurrence or recurrence
- Choosing the most appropriate genetic tests for each patient
- Ordering genetic tests, coordinating patient medical and/or diagnostic testing, and, if necessary, ordering testing for family members
- Analysing genetic tests and lucidly describing them to patients and their families
- Educating parents on inherited illness patterns, testing, care, prevention, resources, and research
- Helping patients make informed decisions and cope with their risk or condition through counselling.
- Addressing the psychological and ethical issues that individuals and their families raise
- Keeping track of patient records
- Working with other medical and healthcare experts as a member of a multidisciplinary team of genetic consultants, clinical scientists, and other consultants to make sure that patients are properly followed up on
Knowing the prerequisites to start a career
a) Education
- The Board of Genetic Counselling (BCG) is in charge of governing the education, preparation, and practice of Genetic Counsellors in India
- You need to have a Master’s Degree in Human Genetics or Genetic Counselling, relevant hours of supervised clinical experience and specialized training to become a Genetic Counsellor
- You can enrol for courses in Medical Genetics and Molecular Biology for an excellent foundation for advanced training in Genetic Counselling
- You can also enrol in short-term workshops and training programs offered by local organizations to upskill yourselves
b) Skills & Qualities
In terms of skills, you should have strong analytical skills to interpret complex information and evaluate data from family histories and genetic tests. Moreover, you should have the following characteristics:
- Speaking skills: To explain difficult data to patients in a way they can understand the seriousness of a health issue, you should have excellent speaking skills
- Compassion: Patients often ask for advice on family care or critical illnesses when you explain your findings to them. Therefore, you must be sympathetic and highly compassionate to deal with them
- Ability to think critically: You must have critical thinking abilities to decide how to advise a patient or family, after evaluating laboratory results. To accurately identify hereditary hazards, you need to use your applied genetics knowledge
- Ability to make decisions: You must have decision-making abilities to draw on your knowledge and experience before deciding how best to communicate your findings to their patients
- Knowledge and Sensitivity: You should be knowledgeable about the latest developments in the field, and be sensitive to ethical and legal issues
- Interest to help people: Most importantly, you should have an interest in helping people make informed decisions about their health and lifestyle based on their genetic information
Exploring the Salary Prospects
- The salary for genetic counselors in India depends on experience, qualifications, and expertise.
- For entry-level professionals, the average annual salary is approximately Rs. 5 lakhs
- With further experience and qualifications, this figure can increase up to Rs. 8-10 lakh
- For those with advanced degrees and extensive experience, the salary can range from ₹25-35 lakhs per annum. This figure is higher than the average salary for medical practitioners in India, which is around ₹18-25 lakhs per annum.
- Those who have completed post-graduate qualifications in Genetics or Genetic Counselling can expect to receive an even higher salary. This includes professionals with MSc or PhD degrees in Genetics or Genetic Counselling.
Conclusion
Genetic Counselling is typically provided in India by General Practitioners or Specialists in other fields, such as Gynaecologists, Paediatricians, Oncologists, and others, who are not qualified in Human Genetics or Genetic Counselling. Since the potential of Genetic Counsellors has come to light in recent years, there has been an increase in demand for them, making Genetic Counselling a growing new-age professional path.
Finding a career in this field requires research, dedication, and hard work. You should take the time to learn about the roles and responsibilities of Genetic Counsellors and what qualifications are needed to practice. You can also network with other professionals in the field and find out more about the opportunities available in India. With the right approach and persistent efforts, you will be able to launch a fulfilling career in the field of Genetic Counselling smartly!