A cross sectional study exploring factors impacting recruitment of African American college students into the genetic counseling profession

Abstract

African Americans account for about 12.7% of the United States population, but only 1% of the National Society of Genetic Counselors' membership identifies as African American. Since individuals often seek health care from providers sharing similar backgrounds, training genetic counselors from diverse backgrounds is critical. Psychology and biology students (N∈=∈552) at four universities completed a self-administered online survey assessing the influence of genetic counseling awareness, demographics, and career decisions on students' interest in pursuing genetic counseling as a career. More African Americans (83%) than Caucasians (62%) reported having chosen a career (p≤.001). Of the 65% of students who indicated interest in the career description of genetic counseling, fewer African Americans (50%) than Caucasians (74%) had heard of genetic counseling (p≤001). Specific strategies to overcome recruiting barriers such as early career selection and lack of awareness of the genetic counseling career among African Americans are suggested. © 2009 National Society of Genetic Counselors, Inc.