Making the Case for Elementary Biomedical Education in Rural Communities

Abstract

Exploring the intersections of CTE and STEM education may foster interest in critical rural healthcare careers beginning in elementary school. Starting early to develop career awareness may be essential and best take advantage of the possible flexibility that rural schools can provide. This study provides a theoretical foundation for rural biomedical education efforts and measured the outcomes of an elementary biomedical intervention. Results show an increase in career aspirations and self-efficacy while maintaining high levels of student interest. In addition, when exploring what drives career aspirations in students, results show that self-efficacy is mediated by student interest fully. Overall, the study shares one effective educational path to enable students to become aware of and begin to develop a skillset for a biomedical career present in their community.