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.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Butler, W. T., Thomson, W. A., Morrissey, C. T., Miller, L. M., & Smith, Q. W. (1991). Baylor's program to attract minority students and others to science and medicine. Acad Med, 66, 305–311.
Cohen, J. (1992). A power primer. Psychol Bull, 112, 155–159.
Crossley, M. L., & Mubarik, A. (2002). A comparative investigation of dental and medical student's motivation towards career choice. Brit Dental J, 193, 471–473.
DeLeon, P. (2003, August). Psychology's societal responsibility—A challenge to MPA. Minnesota Psychol, 15–16.
DiCaccavo, A. (2002). Investigating individuals' motivations to become counselling psychologists: The influence of early caretaking roles within the family. Profess Psychol. Theory Res Practice, 75, 463–472.
Gallup, G., Jr., & Lindsay, D. M. (1999). Surveying the religious landscape: Trends in U.S. beliefs. Harrisburg, PA: Morehouse.
Gambles, M., Wilkinson, S. M., & Dissanayake, C. (2003). What are you like? A personality profile of cancer and palliative care nurses in the United Kingdom. Cancer Nurs, 26, 97–104.
Hallissey, J., Hannigan, A., & Ray, N. (2000). Reasons for choosing dentistry as a career—A survey of dental students attending a dental school in Ireland during 1998–1999. Eur J Dental Educ, 4, 77–81.
Hyppola, H., Kumpusalo, E., Neittaanmaki, L., Mattila, K., Virjo, I., Kujala, S., Luhtala, R., Halila, H., & Isokoski, M. (1998). Becoming a doctor—Was it the wrong career choice? Soc Sci Med, 47, 1383–1387.
Jenkins, S. R. (1987). Need for achievement and women's careers over 14 years: Evidence for occupational structure effects. J Person Soc Psychol, 53, 922–932.
Jensen-Arnett, D. (2000). Emerging adulthood: A theory of development from the late teens through the 20's. Amer Psychol, 55, 469–480.
Parrott, S., Clark, C., & Mahoney, S. K. (2002). National Society of Genetic Counselors, Inc. Professional Status Survey. Wallingford, PA.
Peters, E., McCarthy Veach, P., Ward, E., & LeRoy, B. S. (2004). Does genetic counseling impact genetic counselor practice? J Genet Counsel, 13, 387–402.
Taylor, V. S., Erwin, K. W., Ghose, M., & Perry-Thornton, E. (2001). Models to increase enrollment of minority females in science-based careers. J Natl Med Assoc, 93, 74–77.
Wahlstein, D. (1991). Sample size to detect a planned contrast and a one-degree of freedom interaction. Psychol Bull, 110, 587–595.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Lega, M., Veach, P.M., Ward, E.E. et al. Who Are the Next Generation of Genetic Counselors? A Survey of Students. J Genet Counsel 14, 395–407 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10897-005-3773-8
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10897-005-3773-8