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OaSIS 2025 Version 1.0
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31303.03 – Genetic counsellors

Genetic counsellors assess individual or family risk of genetic conditions, and provide information to individuals, families and healthcare providers to promote informed choice.

Overview

Example job titles

  • Genetic counsellor

Core competencies

  • Reading Comprehension to read current literature to stay informed of developments in the field and provide high-quality genetic counselling services
  • Social Perceptiveness to develop rapport with patients, communicate effectively, understand diverse perspectives and support informed decision making in the context of genetic conditions
  • Problem Identification and Deductive Reasoning to analyze genetic testing results to recognize indicators to develop conclusions regarding hereditary conditions or disease risks and develop tailored plans for patients
  • Verbal Ability and Speech Clarity to clearly explain complex genetic information, risks and testing options to ensure patients and families understand their choices and implications for health decisions
  • Attention to Detail to closely and accurately review genetic data to identify subtle patterns and avoid errors in risk assessment
  • Knowledge in Physical Health to understand genetic conditions, interpret medical information, explain conditions to clients, consider individual health contexts and stay current with medical advancements

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Provide information and support to families affected by or at risk of a genetic disorder
  • Gather and analyze family history and inheritance patterns, calculate risks of recurrence, and provide information about genetic testing and related procedures
  • Develop, implement or coordinate action plans and refer individuals and families to other health professionals
  • Design and conduct genetics training programs for other healthcare professionals or the general public
  • May conduct research in the field of medical genetics and genetic counselling.

Additional information

  • There is no mobility between these occupations without further training.

Similar occupations classified elsewhere

Exclusions:

  • General practitioners and family physicians (31102)
  • Managers in health care (30010)
  • Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating (31209)
  • Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine (31100)

NOC hierarchy breakdown

NOC version

NOC 2021 Version 1.0

Broad occupational category

3 – Health occupations

TEER

1 – Occupations usually require a university degree

Major group

31 – Professional occupations in health

Sub-major group

313 – Nursing and allied health professionals

Minor group

3130 – Nursing and allied health professionals

Unit group

31303 – Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals

Occupational profile

31303.03 – Genetic counsellors

O*NET in-it

This page includes information from the O*NET 27.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Employment and Social Development Canada has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.