Entering the Health Workforce Pipeline: Perceptions of Rural Secondary Students

Abstract

Background: Globally, the health workforce is in short supply with this shortage worsening in rural areas. Recruitment of future rural health professionals commences with motivating more rural high school students to enter a health career-training pipeline. In 1999, Heaney identified that money, marks and motivation (3Ms) were barriers to entry into health related courses for Australian rural and remote students. There are limited studies that explore the career choices of our present rural high school generation and how these attitudes may be changing with time. Aim of study: This study aims to describe the experiences of Australian rural secondary students and identify how place and identity shapes their career choices. Methodology: School students from years 9-12 located within rural regions of Northern New South Wales of Australia participated in semi structured focus group interviews. Five focus groups, undertaken in a sequential manner, were analysed using an interpretive phenomenological approach. Findings: From the focus group interviews, four themes were identified. These included 'career as a journey', 'passion as a driver of career choice', 'flexibility', 'commitment', and 'perceived reality of rurality'. The findings indicate that passion and enjoyment motivate rural high school students' career choice. Perceptions about balancing lifestyle with the adaptability and locus of control play a role in their decision-making. Place and rural identity are central to their journey. Conclusions and implications: Rural high students place a focus on passion and lifestyle in their career decision making. Students wish to balance career and life goals. They identify with their rural origin or place. This differs from the previous focus of money, marks and motivation found in 1999. Recruitment and retention strategies will need to consider the career and lifestyle goals of this generation as they progress through the career pipeline.