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Journals / Research on Education and Psychology / 2026 / Volume: 10

Factors Shaping Career Choice and Current Perceptions of the Profession Among Health Sciences Students: A Qualitative Study

Beyza Yavuz(AFYONKARAHISAR HEALTH SCIENCES UNIVERSITY)0000-0001-7769-810X
Bülent Dilmaç(NECMETTİN ERBAKAN ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0001-5753-9355
Pages
—
Publication Date
2026-07-15
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

The findings revealed that the expectation of civil service appointment, multi-layered family influence, and the score-program economy were jointly decisive in students’ career choices; most decisions were deferred to the post-examination period.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:The present study examines the factors shaping undergraduate health sciences students’ career choices and their current perceptions of their chosen professions through a qualitative approach.
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Key Findings & Data:Participants were selected through criterion sampling and comprised 15 students (11 female, 4 male) enrolled in five undergraduate health programs (medicine, dentistry, nutrition and dietetics, physiotherapy and rehabilitation, and health management) at a state university.
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Conclusion & Impact:The findings revealed that the expectation of civil service appointment, multi-layered family influence, and the score-program economy were jointly decisive in students’ career choices; most decisions were deferred to the post-examination period.
🔬Design:Research Article
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Career choice · Career development · Employment anxiety

Abstract

The present study examines the factors shaping undergraduate health sciences students’ career choices and their current perceptions of their chosen professions through a qualitative approach. The study was designed as qualitative descriptive research. Participants were selected through criterion sampling and comprised 15 students (11 female, 4 male) enrolled in five undergraduate health programs (medicine, dentistry, nutrition and dietetics, physiotherapy and rehabilitation, and health management) at a state university. Data were collected using a demographic information form and a six-item semi-structured interview form developed by the researchers. With participants’ written consent, the interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using content and descriptive analysis. Five main themes and 20 subthemes emerged: (a) structural factors constraining the choice, (b) individual filters mediating the decision, (c) transformation of perception during university, (d) department-contextual patterns of the current perception of the profession, and (e) future career scenarios. The findings revealed that the expectation of civil service appointment, multi-layered family influence, and the score-program economy were jointly decisive in students’ career choices; most decisions were deferred to the post-examination period. Medicine and dentistry students had largely internalized their choice, although an intermediate pattern termed “compulsory internalization” emerged among some participants. By contrast, dietetics, physiotherapy, and health management students reported intense employment anxiety and a tendency to pursue alternative career paths. The findings are discussed in relation to career counseling practice and health workforce policy.

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Cite This Article

Yavuz, B., Dilmaç, B. (2026). Factors Shaping Career Choice and Current Perceptions of the Profession Among Health Sciences Students: A Qualitative Study. Research on Education and Psychology, Volume: 10. https://doi.org/10.54535/rep.1937456

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