| Currently the field of genetic counseling is populated primarily by Caucasian, middle class females (95%). It is expected that by the year 2050, minority groups will make up 48 percent of the U.S. population, which serves to emphasize the need for a diverse group of genetic counselors. This lack of diversity is thought to be the primary cause of low public awareness about the field of genetic counseling. We can expect that college administrators, much like the general public, lack awareness of the field of genetic counseling. A survey was developed to better understand how much college administrators know about genetic counseling and how to reach their faculty and students. Twenty surveys were collected from participants at the annual meeting of the NASULGC. The findings from the survey demonstrate the lack of knowledge college administrators have about the field of genetic counseling. More importantly, these results lead to recommendations that will help to better educate college administrators and improve recruitment and diversity in the field of genetic counseling. |
