A scottish survey exploring diagnostic radiography students' attitudes towards a career in nuclear medicine

The career aspirations of undergraduate radiography students have previously been surveyed but there is little in the literature exploring nuclear medicine as a career specialism. This study aimed to explore the relationship between clinical placement and career choice within third and fourth year diagnostic radiography undergraduates in Scotland.

University ethical approval was obtained; gatekeepers were appointed from each university and distributed the survey. The online survey was conducted consisting of 22 questions including 4 open ended. Descriptive results were summarised using tables and graphs, whilst inferential statistics were collated using R.

The survey response rate was 30.3 % (n = 64/211). Students were predominantly female (89 %). The preferred modality for specialising was general radiography (weighted average = 98.99) whilst nuclear medicine was the least favored career choice (weighted average = 18.69). Clinical placement was the most influential factor in career planning for radiography students, and students expressed a desire to learn more about nuclear medicine. There was a statistical difference in length of time spent in nuclear medicine between the three universities (p = .021).

The study helped to establish the link between career planning and clinical placement. Students were more likely to choose a modality based on a positive clinical experience. Notably students spent the least amount of clinical time within NM and also favour this modality the least for their future career.

Students have demonstrated a need to learn more about the modality and experience it within a clinical placement setting. It is recommended that the radiography curriculum is modified to incorporate learning objectives with a minimum of one week within NM.