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

Authors:
Melanie Lega (1), Patricia McCarthy Veach (2) , Erin E. Ward (3) and Bonnie S. LeRoy (4)

Author Affiliations:
(1) Division of Laboratory Genetics, Cytogenetics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
(2) Department of Educational Psychology, University of Minnesota, 206 Burton Hall, 178 Pillsbury Drive SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455
(3) Department of Educational Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
(4) Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, Institute of Human Genetics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Genetic counseling students were surveyed about their backgrounds, application process to genetic counseling programs, and career motivations and plans. 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. The results, published in the October 2005 issue of the Journal of Genetic Counseling (Vol. 14, No. 5, pp. 395-407), show that 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.

Author contact:

Patricia McCarthy Veach
E-mail: veach001@umn.edu

Abstract available online.

(C) Journal of Genetic Counseling.

Posted by: Tressie Dalaya

Message posted by: Trevor M. D'Souza