Most genetic health professionals think demand for their services will increase over the next five years, but that the current genetic workforce lacks the capacity to meet the demand.
They are among the findings in a suite of reports to emerge from the landmark Australasian Professional Genetic Workforce 2022-2023 census.
The reports are based on the survey responses of 541 people working or studying in professions related to human genetics across Australia and New Zealand, including clinical geneticists, genetic counsellors, genetic pathologists, and medical scientists.
The reports provide insights into work practices, salaries, qualifications, career plans, and demand for clinical and laboratory genetics services.
Australian Genomics’ Workforce and Education Program partnered with the Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA) to conduct the census. The results have informed the revised HGSA Clinical Genetics Services Framework.
Other insights from the census include:
- Women made up 82 per cent of respondents across the genetic professions
- A third of respondents have time-limited contracts and more than 80 per cent work unpaid overtime
- Two-thirds of those with a genetic counselling qualification practise clinically
- About 95 per cent of genetic counsellors think there are circumstances where it is appropriate for them to independently order certain genetic tests
- On average, clinical geneticists, genetic counsellors and medical scientists spend only half their time on core clinical or laboratory activities
- While new graduates are entering these professions each year, nearly a quarter plan to leave their profession or retire within the next 10 years.