Training in human genetics in the United States.

A national study of existing and future human resource needs in the field of human genetics has never been conducted. Published figures of the existing levels of human genetics training are not available. This report reviews the current status of graduate training in human genetics in the US. Issues of certification, accreditation, enrollment and recommendations for future training needs are also discussed. As of 1989, 109 US programs offered training at the graduate or postgraduate level in human genetics. Sixty-seven percent were degree-granting programs. A 20% increase in the number of programs occurred between 1985 and 1989. In contrast, the number of graduates increased by only 10.5%. Reasons for this decreased level of training productivity remain undefined.