Analysis of Financial Barriers Experienced by Prospective Genetic Counseling Students.
Genet Med
; : 101175, 2024 Jun 04.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38850131
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE:
High costs of applying to genetic counseling graduate programs (GCGPs) are likely a barrier to workforce diversification. We sought to determine application costs and assess differences between individuals of historically underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds in medicine (hURM) and non-hURM applicants.METHODS:
Applicants to GCGPs between 2005-2020 were surveyed about application history, related expenses, volunteer hours, and financial resources; 383 responses were analyzed.RESULTS:
Median total application costs (MTAC) were $2,634, $4,762, and $5,607 (one, two, and three or more application cycles, respectively). Interview-related items (which includes travel) had the highest median cost (one application cycle $879). Among those who applied to multiple cycles, hURM respondents had higher MTAC than those of non-hURM ($6,713 versus $4,762, p=0.03) and lower median total volunteer hours (246 versus 381, p=0.03). Parental education level differed by hURM status (p=0.04). Median financial contribution from parents with and without advanced degrees varied significantly (60% vs 2%, p=0.0009).CONCLUSION:
Significant costs are incurred during the GCGP application process, but notable differences in costs and resources were observed between hURM and non-hURM applicants. Stakeholders within the profession should implement strategies to reduce financial barriers and the resulting inequities in the application process.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Language:
En
Journal:
Genet Med
Journal subject:
GENETICA MEDICA
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United States