Perceived prestige and health careers recruitment.

Perceived occupational prestige is an important factor in career choice. The purpose of this study was to obtain prestige ratings of 13 allied health occupations and 13 general occupations for high school students, community college students (nonhealth majors), and community college health occupations students. The obtained ratings were compared with ratings of a combined group of health care providers. There was little agreement among the groups as to level of prestige. The high school rankings were the most disparate. Career exploration and outreach programs as part of recruitment efforts by health care institutions are suggested.