The Rural Rotation in a Medical Technology Program: A Ten-year Retrospective Study

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a rural rotation as a tool to recruit medical technology program graduates to medically underserved areas.

DESIGN: A paper survey was distributed to all 1994 – 2003 graduates of the West Virginia University Medical Technology Program.

SETTING: The survey was mailed to the graduates' homes.

PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Ninety-four of the two hundred six surveys were returned for a response rate of 45.6%.

INTERVENTIONS: Surveys were mailed in January 2004.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Responses to questions regarding choice of site for rural rotation, whether or not a job was offered at the rural site, and whether the graduate subsequently worked at a rural site were tabulated. Responses to questions concerning whether the rotation helped the respondent to appreciate the needs of rural health facilities and whether the rotation resulted in a greater interest in working in a rural area were tabulated. Responses were also tabulated for questions about the value of the rural rotation to the respondent's education and whether the rural rotation was recommended for future students.

RESULTS: Of respondents, 70.2% chose their rural rotation sites due to proximity to their homes and 38.3% were offered jobs at their rural rotation sites. 50% of all respondents subsequently worked at a rural site. Of respondents, 73.4% indicated strong agreement that the rotation helped them appreciate the needs of the rural facility, and 37.2% indicated agreement with becoming more interested in working at a rural site. Of respondents, 65% indicated that the rural rotation was beneficial and that they would recommend it to future students.

CONCLUSION: Results of the survey suggest that a prior rural affinity is a factor associated with selection of rural sites for medical technology program graduates. The survey results also suggest that a rural rotation during medical technology education is beneficial to individuals, including those who elect not to go to rural sites after graduation.

ABBREVIATIONS: Health professions shortage areas (HPSAs) nurse practitioners (NP) medically underserved areas (MUAs) West Virginia Rural Health Education Partnerships (WVRHEP).