Abstract
Genetic counselors are trained in a manner that gives them the ability to change practice areas during their careers, as highlighted by their identified movement between different clinical roles or out of direct-patient care. While research has explored the reasons why genetic counselors change jobs, less is known about the motivations to switch primary practice areas. This study assessed the experiences of genetic counselors who changed primary practice areas, either within the clinical space or to other related disciplines which do not involve patient care, and the satisfaction with doing so. Established genetic counselors, who switched practice areas after a minimum of 5 years of early career experience in one discipline, were recruited through the ABGC and NSGC listservs to complete an anonymous, online survey. Data from the 72 study participants support previous evidence that genetic counselors are moving to indirect-patient care roles as 40.3% of our participants transitioned to this type of position, and provides new insights into genetic counselors’ experiences before, during, and after their transitions. The most commonly selected reasons for participants leaving their practice areas after several years included having little opportunity for professional growth (58%), looking for a better salary (51%), being presented with a new opportunity (50.7%), and needing a more supportive environment (50%). Established genetic counselors most commonly indicated that, compared to their Subsequent Primary Practice Areas, their Initial Primary Practice Areas had more emotionally overwhelming patient interactions (71.4%), were more stressful (62.5%), and had a more demanding workload (52.8%). These findings highlight important factors that influence genetic counselors’ professional development, and provide insights to employers who wish to retain genetic counselors in their roles and to genetic counselors who may wish to switch areas of practice in the future.