What you should know before pursuing genetic counselling courses in India

1. What you should know before pursuing genetic counselling courses in India Genetic counsellors are healthcare professionals that assess the risk of various congenital conditions. These conditions are passed on through genes. The inheritance pattern of the disease can be studied by genetic counsellors. They are responsible for providing counselling to individuals who have been diagnosed with or are at the risk of developing an inherited condition. These counsellors can identify genetic disorders and the risk factors associated with them. The professionals who wish to work as counsellors require adequate knowledge of human genomics as well as impeccable communication skills. There are several genetic counselling courses that prepare individuals about the genetic basis of various diseases and their treatment. Several expecting parents also seek the counsel of such professionals to find out of their baby is at the risk of developing certain genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis etc. Along with the prenatal diagnosis, genetic counsellors also assess the risk for an adult to develop diseases such as cardiovascular diseases or cancer etc. If you wish to become a genetic counsellor, you have to undergo training from a reputed institution that will prepare you for dealing with patients. What do genetic counselling courses include? The knowledge imparted in genetic counselling courses helps professionals prepare for a career as a genetic counsellor. The professional may specialize in various areas, including prenatal, cardiovascular

2. health, cancer, pediatric etc. Other areas of specialization include medicine, neurogenetics, psychiatry study etc. The following topics are included in the course’s curriculum: Molecular genetics Genetic testing and diagnosis Counselling techniques Ethics Research methodologies Population studies and analysis Risk calculation Congenital disabilities Gene Therapy Individualized Medicine ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● A genetic counsellor is an expert who can diagnose diseases by studying the DNA tests and offer advice on the consequent treatment plan. Some of the areas that require the expertise of a genetic counsellor include: ● Metabolic diseases ● Neurological disorders ● Mental retardation ● Cardiovascular diseases ● Haematological diseases ● Infertility ● Cancer ● Stem cell banking ● Hereditary diseases ● Infectious diseases like TB, HIV Genetic counsellors also collaborate with healthcare professionals to provide the best possible treatment to the patients diagnosed with genetic disorders. Areas of employment Genetic counselling is a rewarding profession that is highly in demand. The following workplaces employ candidates who have completed their training in genetic counselling. ● Hospitals ● Diagnostic labs ● Physicians offices ● Various public and private healthcare facilities Objective of the course

3. The course aims at imparting adequate knowledge of human genetics to professionals who wish to work as genetic counsellors. The professional training includes the understanding of gene therapy, genetic tests and their consequences. In addition, the course provides information on how to properly communicate with patients keeping ethical and psychological appropriations in mind. The professionals are responsible for evaluating the risk of occurrence of the disease to other family members. Eligibility To be able to pursue genetic counselling courses, you require a relevant background in the field. Most online courses in genetic counselling are offered to candidates with a Master’s degree in Human Genetics, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Life Sciences, Microbiology, Molecular Biology etc. Roles and responsibilities Once you complete your training, you would be required to work with patients and their families at risk of or been diagnosed with various genetic conditions. Quality genetic counselling courses prepare you for the duties and challenges that you will face as a counsellor. Some of these include- Helping patients cope through the diagnosis of genetic diseases Calculate risk of genetic diseases Evaluate chances of occurrence and recurrence of the disease Analyze the history of patients Prepare and provide genetic testing Educate and counsel the family of the patients Assess potential health risks Provide information about testing, management and prevention of genetic conditions Help patients make informed decisions ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Know the skills required There are certain skills that a genetic counsellor must possess to work in the healthcare sector. If you possess the following skills, you would be a good fit for this career. A deep and thorough understanding of genetics is essential. The counsellor must have strong interpersonal skills. They should be analytical and have critical thinking. Emotional intelligence and empathy are crucial when dealing with patients. They need to effectively communicate complex information to patients in a way that they understand. Active listening skills are essential for healthcare counsellors. ● ● ● ● ● ● Why you should choose Future Medicine Academy

4. If you aspire to become a genetic counsellor, you need to ensure that you undergo the best and the most intensive training possible. Future Medicine Academy offers online genetic counselling courses that can help you immerse into the most rewarding careers in the field. The program includes an onsite practical internship, guest lectures, live interactions, mock sessions, continuous evaluation etc. All of these impart the skills and knowledge required to work effectively as a genetic counsellor. Source: https://mytrendingstories.com/riya-naayar/what-you-should-know-before-pursuing-genetic-counselling-co urse-rituit