2023 ACMG Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting Digital Edition: Poster Gallery-Genetic counseling assistants in the laboratory: scope of work and career ladder at ARUP laboratories

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This document discusses the role of genetic counseling assistants (GCAs) in the laboratory setting, specifically at ARUP Laboratories. The study aims to describe the job tasks performed by ARUP's GCA team and the career ladder for GCAs at the organization. <br /><br />The study found that the GCA role at ARUP has evolved and expanded over the years, going beyond routine tasks and taking on a wide range of responsibilities that are sometimes independent from genetic counselor roles. GCAs at ARUP are trained to be experts in clinical coordination and internal lab processes as they progress through the career ladder. <br /><br />The tasks performed by GCAs at ARUP were categorized into various areas, including test order review and clinical coordination, communication with clients/providers, administrative/departmental tasks, laboratory process improvement, and training and supervisory tasks. <br /><br />The career ladder for GCAs at ARUP consists of four levels: Level I (requiring a Bachelor's degree in genetics or an Associate's degree plus related experience), Level II (1 year of GCA experience), senior (2 years of GCA experience), and lead (6+ years of experience at ARUP and at least 3 years of GCA experience or leading roles in other genetics settings).<br /><br />The study suggests that further research should be conducted to better define standards for GCA scope of practice and career ladder in multiple laboratory settings. Overall, the role of GCAs at ARUP has grown and diversified, requiring a high level of expertise in clinical coordination and lab processes.

Asset Subtitle

Co-Author - Rachel M. Lasher, MS, CGC; Co-Author - Lauren Wallace, MS, CGC; Co-Author - Cassie Z. Vaughn, BS; Co-Author - Mike Graczyk, MBA; Presenting Author - Karianne Herdman, BS;

Meta Tag

Genetic Testing

Co-Author Rachel M. Lasher, MS, CGC

Co-Author Lauren Wallace, MS, CGC

Co-Author Cassie Z. Vaughn, BS

Co-Author Mike Graczyk, MBA

Presenting Author Karianne Herdman, BS

Keywords

genetic counseling assistants

laboratory setting

ARUP Laboratories

job tasks

career ladder

evolution of GCA role

clinical coordination

internal lab processes

test order review

communication with clients/providers