Entry level knowledge of nuclear medicine students at the University of Sydney

There is currently a world shortage of nuclear medicine technologists. Attrition of students from courses in nuclear medicine technology is a concern to educators. In order to assess attrition this paper looks at recruitment vehicles and students' prior knowledge of nuclear medicine. This work is part of a larger project aimed at reducing attrition and improving student performance for all students commencing year 1 at the School of Medical Radiation Sciences at the University of Sydney. An initial questionnaire assessing students' knowledge prior to having lectures in nuclear medicine was conducted. Analysis of these data found nuclear medicine students to have a lower mean score of correct responses than diagnostic radiography and radiation therapy students. Thirty none per cent of students choose entry to the course because of information gleaned from the University Admissions Centre guide. By the completion of this project more should be known about the reasons for attrition that will help to implement strategies to reduce this problem. (author abstract)