title: ASHG/NSGC activities related to education. The doctoral degree in genetic counseling: attitudes of genetic counselors.
abstract: All 565 full members of the National Society of Genetic Counselors were surveyed in September 1989 to assess their attitudes toward a potential doctoral degree in genetic counseling. The usable return rate was 59.6% (337/565) of the full membership. One hundred eighty (54.4%) respondents indicated a need for a doctoral degree in genetic counseling, 101 (30.5%) were undecided as to the need, and 50 (15.1%) did not see a need for such a degree. One hundred forty-seven (44.3%) respondents indicated their individual interest in pursuing a doctorate in genetic counseling, 109 (32.8%) would not pursue such a degree, and 76 (22.9%) were undecided. Beyond the generally accepted feeling that genetic counseling should expand as a professional field, the reasons cited most often for seeking the Ph.D. in genetic counseling were professional recognition, a desire to specialize in a particular area, and greater depth of knowledge. The study revealed a strongly positive attitude, among full members of the NSGC, toward establishment of a doctoral degree in genetic counseling.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Carolina, Columbia 29203.
authors.forename: K M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Gaupman
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Edwards
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Brooks
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Young
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002170:Canada; D004500:Education, Graduate; D005260:Female; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D005826:Genetics, Medical / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013334:Students; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States