Career dreams among health care students: I want to make a difference

Abstract

There is a continuous increase in demand for health services in most countries because people who are older are living longer. Health care for people who are older is not, generally, an attractive career option for undergraduate health professionals. This study investigated career dreams among undergraduates studying a variety of health care subjects to understand what motivates them. Eighteen focus groups were conducted with 90 students, and template analysis was performed within a sociological framework. Four themes emerged from the analysis: no plans to work with people who are older, dreaming of making a difference, seeking variety, and the impact of clinical placements on stimulating or reducing interest in working with people who are older. Geriatrics and gerontology do not offer the opportunities that students are looking for in their future careers. There is a need to change the way we talk about adults who are older everywhere, not just in health care training. However, health care educators should also help students to understand the value of care provided to adults who are older.

Keywords: Bachelor; career; education; elderly; geriatrics; gerontology; health care program; nursing; nutrition; occupational therapy; older people; physiotherapy; psychomotor therapy; relaxation.