Survey of the training needs of genetic assistants supports the creation of genetic assistant training programs

Abstract

Despite the increasing numbers of genetic assistants (GAs) in the genomics workforce, their training needs and how to best prepare GAs for their role have not been well defined. We sought to identify the current educational status of GAs, opinions on their training needs, and attitudes about GA training programs (GATPs). Survey links were emailed to NSGC members, 17 state genetic counseling (GC) professional organizations, and genomic medicine researchers. Respondents (n = 411) included GCs (n = 231) and GAs (n = 136). Like other studies, we found that the GA position is filled by a range of education levels and career aspirations. Most respondents supported the creation of GATPs, with 63% endorsing that GATPs would be helpful and half endorsing a short-term (3 months or less) program. Most believed GATPs should focus on general knowledge, with almost all practical skills learned on-the-job. If more GATPs are created, our survey provides evidence that graduates would be hired. Indeed, of those whose work setting required a bachelor's degree, the number of respondents who favored keeping that requirement was similar to the number who favored hiring a GA without a degree if they attended a GATP. However, there were concerns about GATPs. Many (44%) believed creating GATPs could discourage candidates from becoming GAs. We observed that there are two types of GAs: entry-level and bachelor's-level, with the entry-level being those who do not have and are not working to obtain a bachelor's degree and the bachelor's-level being those who do/are. GATPs could focus on the education of entry-level GAs, while gaps in the knowledge base of bachelor's-level GAs could be addressed by augmenting bachelor's curriculum or providing additional training after hire. Further research on the training needs of GAs and hiring practices of institutions will be vital to understanding their training needs and designing and implementing effective GATPs.

Keywords: attitudes; diversity; education; genetic assistant; genetic counseling assistant; training; workforce.

FIGURE 1.

Opinions regarding creation of GA training programs

FIGURE 2.

Opinions on where GAs should learn general knowledge and skills Purple shading indicates that most respondents felt the topic should be taught in GATPs, blue that it should be taught on the job; and orange that it isn’t needed by GAs at the respondent’s work setting. Dark shading indicates majority; light shading indicates plurality. For each topic, N varied from 401 to 407.