Evaluating the attitudes of radiologic technology students and graduates toward their study major and career prospects: A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Understanding students' attitudes towardtheir study major and career prospects in healthcare is crucial. This study evaluates radiologic technology students and graduates' attitudes toward their study major and career prospects. This cross-sectional study at Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences assessed 120 BSc radiologic technology students and graduates' attitudes toward their study major and career prospects using an online questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 26, with results reported as mean ± standard deviation (SD). Significance was determined using the independent sample t-test and one-way analysis of variance (p < 0.05). Participants' age, averaged 24.13 ± 3.64 years and were predominantly females (58.3%). Among radiologic technology students, the mean scores ± SD for attitudes toward their academic major and career prospects were 19.75 ± 2.27 and 15.62 ± 2.28, respectively. For graduates, these values were 19.73 ± 3.85 and 14.73 ± 2.75, respectively. Most participants exhibited a positive attitude toward their study major (90.8%) and career prospects (85.0%). No statistically significant differences were observed in attitudes across demographic specifications for students and graduates, nor between the attitudes of students and graduates toward their study major and career prospects. The evaluated students and graduates demonstrated a positive attitude toward their field of study and career prospects. Positive perceptions from peers and society and job opportunities for BSc graduates contribute to this. while our research highlights the prevailing positive attitudes within the radiologic technology profession, there is a clear need for ongoing evaluation and refinement to ensure continued success and satisfaction among students and graduates. Enhancing students' understanding of academic disciplines before major selection and providing effective counseling can reinforce these attitudes.