Students' perceptions of laboratory science careers: changing ideas with an education module

To assess the effectiveness of a Web-based education module in changing students' perceptions of laboratory science careers.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.