en Occupational Health Occupational Health پژوهشي Research Article <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="line-height:150%"><b><span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times=""><span style="color:black">Background </span></span></span></b><span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times=""><span style="color:black">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.</span></span></span></span><br> <span style="line-height:150%"><b><span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times=""><span style="color:black">Methods</span></span></span></b> <span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times=""><span style="color:black">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 <i>t</i>-tests, and one-way ANOVA.</span></span></span></span><br> <span style="line-height:150%"><b><span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times=""><span style="color:black">Results</span></span></span></b><span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times=""><span style="color:black"> 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 (<i>p</i> < 0.05).</span></span></span></span><br> <span style="line-height:150%"><b><span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times=""><span style="color:black">Conclusion</span></span></span></b><span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times=""><span style="color:black"> 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.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div> Attitude, Career choice, Education, Emergency medical services, Job satisfaction, Medical, Students 296 303 http://hsm.umsu.ac.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-133-1&slc_lang=en&sid=1 Arezou Shekarchi 10031947532846004687 0009-0007-8489-0408 No Student Research Committee, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Yaser Moradi 10031947532846004688 10031947532846004688 No Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Samira Orujlu samira_orojlo@yahoo.com 10031947532846004689 10031947532846004689 Yes Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran