Professional development of certified genetic counselors in Japan: The Japanese Association of Certified Genetic Counselors biennial survey for FY2022

More than 20 years have passed since the gradual establishment of genetic counseling in Japan. Certified Genetic Counselors (CGC) are members of the Japan Association of Certified Genetic Counselors (JACGC), which comprises 388 members. The JACGC conducts biennial surveys of its members to assess the current status of CGCs and explore their activities for future professional advancement. The FY2022 survey was conducted with a focus on workforce issues, work-life balance, and career planning along with regular questions. The results revealed that 78.7% of CGCs were employed in clinical settings, 14.2% in education, and 7.1% in industry. The CGCs were present in 34 of 47 prefectures (72.3%) across Japan, with CGCs primarily working in the cancer (77.3%), prenatal (66.0%), pediatric (55.3%), and neuromuscular (46.1%) fields. The proportion of CGCs working in the cancer and prenatal fields was high; however, an increase in CGCs contributing to the pediatric and neuromuscular fields was observed. In addition, CGCs undertake a wide range of responsibilities, from nonspecialized tasks such as administrative work to specialized roles in research and education. CGCs have consistently demonstrated the value of their roles through their contributions. As genetic medicine continues to expand rapidly, CGCs are expected to further prove their value, broaden their professional scope, and remain dedicated to advancing genetic medicine in Japan.