Who Are the Next Generation of Genetic Counselors? A Survey of Students

Abstract

Genetic counseling students were surveyed about their backgrounds, application process to genetic counseling programs, and career motivations and plans. Program directors from 27 accredited programs were asked to distribute 362 surveys to students. Fifty-two survey items assess demographics; sources of support for pursuing a genetic counseling career (information about genetic counseling, encouragement/discouragement from others); career motivations (reasons for applying and for becoming a genetic counselor); and career certainty. Two hundred and thirty-five usable surveys were returned (64.9% usable return rate). Most respondents were Caucasian females (mean age = 25.4 years). About 13% identified as ethnic minorities, and about one-third reported family histories of a genetic condition(s). Most respondents learned about the field in classes, and most were strongly encouraged by family and friends to pursue genetic counseling. Reasons rated as most important for becoming a genetic counselor included helping others and intellectual stimulation. Recruitment, training, and research recommendations are given.

A Cross Sectional Study Exploring Factors Impacting Recruitment of African American College Students into the Genetic Counseling Profession

“…The survey included questions adapted from existing tools including a biographical data survey instrument (Butters 2002), The Characterization of the Typical Genetic Counseling Graduate Student questionnaire (Lega et al 2005), and other published surveys (Lease 2004;Parrott and Manley 2004;Place et al 1996;Zimmern and Cook 2000). The survey included questions adapted from existing tools including a biographical data survey instrument (Butters 2002), The Characterization of the Typical Genetic Counseling Graduate Student questionnaire (Lega et al 2005), and other published surveys (Lease 2004;Parrott and Manley 2004;Place et al 1996;Zimmern and Cook 2000).…”

“…Next, students were asked to indicate which sources of career information were helpful for their career search from a 14 item predetermined list (Table 4). These career goals and values have also been noted to influence recruitment (Dowell 1996;Lewis and Collins 2001;Zhou et al 2004) and/or to influence interest in genetic counseling (Lega et al 2005). (Check all that apply)."…”

“…According to the 2000 United States Census, African Americans account for 12.7% of the population, and projections indicate that African Americans will make up 14.6% of the population by the year 2050. Given these United States population demographics, the ubiquitous need for genetics services, and research indicating that underserved populations are more likely to seek health care from providers who share similar cultural and community values (Rabinowitz et al 2000;Saha et al 1999), training genetic counselors from diverse backgrounds is critical to meet existing and future service needs (Lega et al 2005;Smith et al 1993). Given these United States population demographics, the ubiquitous need for genetics services, and research indicating that underserved populations are more likely to seek health care from providers who share similar cultural and community values (Rabinowitz et al 2000;Saha et al 1999), training genetic counselors from diverse backgrounds is critical to meet existing and future service needs (Lega et al 2005;Smith et al 1993).…”

Public Preferences for Science Occupations in the U.S.: The Influence of Public Perception of Scientists and Science

“…Previous research shows that people's perception than those with other majors. However, female biology majors are about occupations tends to affect their career choice [4], [5].…”

“…Also, it is reported that people's career choice is influenced by With this negative influence of being a female biology major, the ' negative influence of being a scientist or engineer with the theb s and behis of hi socerslie aren advanced degrees on the preference remains to be confirmed in teachers and friends [4], [6], [7]. In other words, the more future research.…”