Genetic education in baccalaureate and associate degree nursing programs in Japan

The purpose of the present study was to ascertain the amount and type of genetic content in basic nursing education programs in Japan baccalaureate degree (BSN) and associate degree (ADN), and to describe the qualifications of faculty members teaching the genetics content. A questionnaire was used to examine these. The sample was derived from 66 basic nursing preparatory programs. Faculty members from 34 out of 75 (44.7%) of the BSN programs and 32 out of 52 (61.5%) of the ADN programs returned completed surveys, providing a total response rate of 52%. As a result of the analysis of the survey data, the researchers recommend increasing the amount of genetic content, related to nursing practice, in the curriculum of Japanese baccalaureate and associate degree nursing programs. In addition, the researchers recommend increasing the number of nursing faculty specialising in genetics. Japanese nursing education must incorporate genetic knowledge into the curricula to produce professionals who are prepared to practise in the current and future genetic health care arena.