Genomic counselling

Genomic counsellors (also called genetic counsellors) are highly skilled healthcare professionals who have specific training in genetics and genomics as well as excellent communication and counselling skills

They work directly with patient and their family to provide genetic information and support to help people adapt to genetic diseases and conditions.

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Life as a genomic counsellor

You’ll diagnose, manage and treat genetic diseases in a wide range of people from newborn babies and pregnant mums to young adults and older people. 

You will help people come to terms with often devastating news by employing specific techniques to help them understand and adapt. For example, you might help a family come to terms with a pregnancy when the unborn child has a life-changing condition.

Genomic counselling is a hugely rewarding role. Patients will look to you for help and support every day and you’ll be able to make a real difference to the quality of their life and the lives of their families.

Your role is patient-focused, and a typical day will involve:

  • recording detailed patient and family medical histories
  • ordering and interpreting genetic and genomic tests
  • assessing the risk of inheriting or passing on a medical condition
  • communicating to a patient and their family the significance and ramifications of their condition

Typical activities include:

  • taking a family history and interpreting the risks of inheriting or passing on a genetic condition
  • assessing which genetic or genomic test is the most appropriate
  • translating test results for patients and non-genetic health professionals
  • using counselling skills to communicate appropriately with patients considering cultural, linguistic and ethical issues
  • conducting and documenting patient consultations appropriately, including writing letters to patients
  • speaking to patients on the telephone to offer support, give results or answer questions.
  • teaching genomic counselling to other health professionals
  • liaising with clinical and other healthcare staff, often as part of a multidisciplinary team
  • participating as a researcher in clinical, genetic, genomic and psychosocial research

Your role is highly collaborative, and you will work as part of multidisciplinary teams such as cancer, neurology and cardiology teams offering specialist genetic and genomic advice.

Helen Bethell

Genetic counsellor

The best bit of my job is the satisfaction that comes from helping patients come to a truly informed decision.

Read Helen's story
Helen Bethell

How much can I earn?

You’ll be employed on a national pay and conditions system called Agenda for Change (AfC). 

There are nine pay bands and below are examples of the pay band you’ll be on, depending on your role within genomic counselling. 

  • Healthcare science assistant – B2/3
  • Healthcare science associate – B4
  • Healthcare science practitioner – B5
  • Clinical scientist – B6/7/8a
  • Consultant clinical scientist - B8c/B8d

How about the benefits?

  • make a difference
  • flexible and part-time working
  • high income early in your career
  • work anywhere in the world
  • excellent pension scheme
  • good holiday entitlement
  • NHS discounts in shops and restaurants

Must-have skills

  • excellent communication skills to manage a wide range of relationships with colleagues, patients and their families 
  • emotional resilience, a calm temperament and the ability to work well under pressure 
  • teamwork and the capacity to lead multidisciplinary teams 
  • problem-solving and diagnostic skills 
  • outstanding organisational ability and effective decision-making skills 
  • first-class time and resource management for the benefit of patients

Entry requirements

There are several different ways to start your career in healthcare science,  depending on your experience and qualifications.

  • You could look for an entry level job/level 2 apprenticeship – typically GCSEs 9-4/A-C in maths, English and a science
  • If an apprenticeship feels right for you, you’ll need 5 GCSEs at 9-4/A-C (or equivalent) including maths, English and science or Level 2 Diploma in Healthcare Science to start a level 4 apprenticeship.
  • A level 6 apprenticeship or degree course require relevant level 3 qualifications e.g. 3 A levels (including at least one science subject) or Access to HE course
  • To start the Scientist Training Programme, you’ll need a 1st or 2:1 in relevant first degree or relevant higher degree and 2:2 in any subject

How to become a clinical scientist in genomic counselling

To become a genomic counsellor, you’ll need to complete the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP) with a science degree or via psychology, nursing or midwifery with short course in genetics.

Where a career in genomic counselling will take you

As you gain experience, and with further training, you’ll be able to apply for vacancies in areas such as further specialisation, management, research and teaching.

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