Abstract
Since the opening of the first genetic counseling training program in 1969, the field has expanded to 30 programs in the United States, graduating approximately 230 students annually. Previous research has investigated why individuals select genetic counseling as a career, yet little is known about how applicants decide which program to attend. This study aimed to explore the factors that influence the selection of programs and whether the factors differ depending upon applicants’ demographic backgrounds. Genetic counseling students and practicing genetic counselors were invited via the National Society of Genetic Counselors and Program Directors listservs to complete an anonymous, online survey. Of the 707 total respondents, most discovered the genetic counseling profession through school or word of mouth. The most important factors for selecting programs to apply to were geographic area, program reputation, internship variety, cost of tuition, and ability to live near friends or family. When applying to programs, non-Caucasian respondents were significantly more likely to consider factual demographics about the program such as class/course size, faculty to student ratio, medical center affiliation, and program size than Caucasian respondents. The most important factors for selecting the program to attend were acceptance status, interaction with faculty/staff, geographic area, cost of tuition, program reputation and internship variety. Most respondents were accepted in their first application cycle. Non-Caucasian respondents went through multiple application cycles and were accepted to multiple schools at rates not significantly different from Caucasian respondents. Males were more likely than females to be accepted to multiple programs, however, they also went through multiple application cycles more frequently. This study is the first large-scale investigation into the criteria individuals use for selecting genetic counseling training programs. The results may be useful to the genetic counseling profession and its training programs in structuring recruitment strategies to attract future cohorts of students.