Students' perceptions of laboratory science careers: changing ideas with an education module.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effectiveness of a Web-based education module in changing students' perceptions of laboratory science careers.


METHODS
Perception was measured with a short examination and then a Web-based exercise was presented. Following the exercise, the test was administered again. Frequency data from the pre-test and post-test were compared for changes in perception. The correlated pre-test/post-test pairs were also examined for opinion changes and these were analyzed for significance.


METHODS
Large parochial high schools in New Orleans, Louisiana. A small team visited the schools during their appointed class times for biology.


METHODS
Study participants were high school biology students in grades 9-10. Two-hundred-forty-five students participated (149 male and 96 female).


METHODS
A Web-based exercise on blood film examination was presented to the students in a classroom setting (www.mclno.org/labpartners/index_03.htm). The exercise contained focused messages about: (1) the numbers of healthcare workers acquiring AIDS from on-the-job exposure and (2) common career paths available to the laboratory science workforce.


METHODS
The shift in perception of: What medical service generates the most diagnostic data. Which professional group performs laboratory tests. The risk of acquiring AIDS while working in the healthcare setting. Interest in a science-related career. How much education is required to work in a science-related field.


RESULTS
The intervention significantly shifted perception in all areas measured except that of interest in a science-related career.


CONCLUSIONS
Many students perceive that the risk of acquiring AIDS while working in the healthcare setting is "high". Web-based presentations and similar partnerships with science teachers can change perceptions that might lead to increased interest in clinical laboratory science careers.
Haun
Daniel
D
Pathology Department, Medical Center of Louisiana at New Orleans, LA 70112, USA. dhaun@lsuhsc.edu
Leach
Argie
A
Lawrence
Louann
L
Jarreau
Patsy
P
D000293:Adolescent; D001290:Attitude; D002321:Career Choice; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D003479:Curriculum; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017056:Medical Laboratory Personnel / Q000193:education*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012574:Schools; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013663:Teaching