Best Careers 2009: Genetic Counselor

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can some man detect through the colour of the skin of a child when the mother is chocolate brown and the father is black

johnson 5:51AM August 13, 2011

what a horrible answer, if an individual decides to terminate the reproduction of their genes that is natural selection, that's what they decided based on someones OPINION not state of fact. They have the choice to terminate their weak or infected genes, but genes don't solely make up an individual so if that's what they decide to do so be it. They are weak for being that easily persuaded and that is natural selection, killing off the weak.

emily23 of CA 7:23PM July 03, 2011

I want to be a genetic counselor so this information is usefull tome thank you

tasha of VA 6:22PM January 05, 2011

Someone previously asked if there would be a continued need for GCs since the development of companies like 23 and Me.
The answer is YES.
The human genome is sequenced, but researchers understand very little about gene expression. (My professors are always saying how little is still unknown in the genetics field.) Just because you have a certain gene DOES NOT mean you will have a certain disease, now or in the future. Companies like that stated above are misleading consumers. GCs are needed to help the layperson understand what the science really is.

genetics student of NJ 11:35AM June 01, 2010

All that we know about genetics is minute compared to what we will know. Fact: by next year we will know more about genetics then we knew in all previous history. What does this mean? Within 10 years we could comparatively know the equivalent of the Library of Congress about genetics verses a pamphlet up to this point. I believe that entitles us to watch in wonder more than act in blunder concerning genetic counseling. To make a genetic decision as to what would be good for us and society with so little knowledge is lunacy. Don't kill off our genes using your empty-headed logic. Leave genetic counseling up to nature and natural selection. As to the career as a genetic counselor?! If people want to abort just do it don't try to intellectualize or rationalize because no matter what genetically we don't know squat.

joe markovich of SC 4:14PM May 18, 2010

Hi. I've been a genetic counselor for 10 years now in CA and I still like my job and find it rewarding. I started at about 44,000 (10 yrs ago) and now I'm making close to $80,000. I also consult on the side and can make up to an additional 20-30,000. So things are good. I didn't go into this profession for the money, but because of my passion for science and wanting to work one-on-one with people.
And I think the need for genetic counselors will only grow with the need to interpret results from companies such as 23andme, Navigenics, and decodeme. Additional training for everyone in genetics is going to be needed to interpret these results and most doctors will have to refer patients to these professionals.
Just my 2 cents

MS of CA 3:59PM March 17, 2010

For a young aspiring scientist this is a well descriptive piece of advice, I've always been interested in genetics and this sounds like a career that I could research into. Thank you I wish there were other people that would give insights to young people about all the different careers out there instead of only the main health paths.

Diana of FL 2:51PM December 05, 2009

Dear Aldonator- I admire your belief system and agreed with every last thing you said. I wish there were more people like you who see the big picture and are not sucked in by hate, as in hate-politics (right or left) and hate arising from religious intolerance. Wish I could hire you, but am unhired myself!
NYC

Laura of NY 12:03PM November 18, 2009

I am not nor would I say that someones opinion is wrong. Everyone is entitled to one, two, millions.... But to tell someone what they can or cannot do with thier own body is to ascend the throne of "God." Throw stones in glass houses if you must, but cry not when you get killed by falling glass.

Cory B of GA 6:04PM November 12, 2009

Life is holy from the time of conception.
Knock it off with the abortion is ok when its a metally challenged kid.
News Flash: ITS NOT.
They are here for a reason, as are we.
What makes you think your ANY BETTER than someone with a born disability?
Seriously...

Julia 14 of PA 2:27PM November 12, 2009