Attitudes Toward Field of Study and Career Prospects among Emergency Medical Services Students in West Azerbaijan Province, Iran

Shekarchi, Arezou; Moradi, Yaser; Orujlu , Samira

doi:https://doi.org/10.61186/hsm.4.4.296

Volume 4, Issue 4 (November 2025) Health Science Monitor 2025, 4(4): 296-303 | Back to browse issues page

‎ https://doi.org/10.61186/hsm.4.4.296

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Shekarchi A, Moradi Y, Orujlu S. Attitudes Toward Field of Study and Career Prospects among Emergency Medical Services Students in West Azerbaijan Province, Iran. Health Science Monitor 2025; 4 (4) :296-303
URL: http://hsm.umsu.ac.ir/article-1-251-en.html

Attitudes Toward Field of Study and Career Prospects among Emergency Medical Services Students in West Azerbaijan Province, Iran

Arezou Shekarchi

, Yaser Moradi

, Samira Orujlu ^*

Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran

Abstract: (57 Views)

Background The attitudes of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) students toward their field of study and future careers are essential for workforce sustainability and the delivery of high-quality emergency care. This study examined these attitudes among EMS students at Urmia and Khoy Universities of Medical Sciences to inform educational program development and policy planning.
Methods This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2025 among 122 EMS students using a validated questionnaire comprising three sections: (1) demographic information, (2) attitudes toward the field of study, and (3) attitudes toward career prospects. Responses were recorded on a five-point Likert scale. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and one-way ANOVA.
Results Most students expressed a positive attitude toward their field of study, with over 75% reporting satisfaction with their academic choice and an increased interest after enrollment. Although 79% indicated a willingness to pursue a career in EMS, substantial concerns were noted regarding future employment. Nearly 46% of students reported dissatisfaction with salary and job market stability. The year of admission was significantly associated with attitudes, with second-year students demonstrating more favorable perceptions of both their field of study and career prospects than first- and third-year students (p < 0.05).
Conclusion EMS students generally exhibit satisfaction with their field of study but express concern about their professional futures, particularly in relation to financial security and job stability. Educational and policy measures, such as enhancing employment conditions and providing targeted career counseling, are recommended to sustain motivation and secure a competent future EMS workforce.

Keywords: Attitude, Career choice, Education, Emergency medical services, Job satisfaction, Medical, Students

Full-Text [PDF 360 kb] (28 Downloads)

Type of Study: Research Article | Subject: Occupational Health
Received: 2025/06/29 | Accepted: 2025/11/15 | Published: 2025/11/19

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