Diabetes Education as a Career Choice

Purpose The purpose of the study was to examine the field of diabetes education along with identifying facilitators and barriers for future health care professionals entering the specialty field of diabetes education. Method Faculty members who were currently teaching in a health-related discipline, the students of those faculty members, and nursing students who were members of the National Student Nursing Association were surveyed to gather descriptive data. Results While faculty members reported they are promoting diabetes education to their health professions students, many nursing students are not aware of this career path. Nursing students understand that diabetes is a significant problem and will be something they encounter in all areas of their careers, but many were not sure they wanted to specialize in it. Conclusions There is a gap between what faculty members and students report as far as awareness of the diabetes education specialty. In addition, misinformation about diabetes and people living with diabetes may be a deterrent for potential future diabetes educators. American Association of Diabetes Educators, health professions faculty members, and practicing diabetes educators can do more to clear up misconceptions and promote diabetes education as a career path for students in the health professions.