Student Perceptions of Factors Impacting Their Health Science Career Path

• In Event: 14.046 - Poster Session 1
  In Poster Session: 14.046-9 - Division I Poster Session

Abstract

Many pre-college programs focus on reducing barriers to STEM education and professional paths for students, especially students from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds. These efforts speak to both social justice concerns and to societal needs for more professionals in specific STEM fields. We implemented a sequential explanatory mixed methods design utilizing open-ended responses from 706 9th through 12th graders to develop a survey instrument completed by 96 Health Science Technology Academy (HSTA) graduates currently pursuing postsecondary education. We identify 14 statements central to respondents’ HSTA experience that respondents indicated were impactful on their decision to pursue postsecondary education in health sciences. We discuss implications of these preliminary findings and will present additional analyses and full discussion should the proposal be accepted.

Authors

• Reagan Curtis, West Virginia University

• Sera Mathew, West Virginia University

• Zornitsa Georgieva, Prince George's Community College

• Megan L. Smith, West Virginia University

• Lucas C. Moore, West Virginia University