Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of practical training of students studying in the field of health; to examine the opinions of students participating in practical training and the healthcare professionals guiding them during this process, and to determine whether these opinions differ according to various demographic variables. Method: The study was conducted using a quantitative research design. A Personal Information Form and the Practical Training Effectiveness Questionnaire were used as data collection tools. The data were analyzed using the independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the Games-Howell post-hoc test to determine significant differences. Universe and Sample: The universe of the study consists of students studying in the field of health and healthcare professionals who guide these students during the practical training process. The sample consists of high school and university students participating in practical training and mentor healthcare professionals working in different healthcare institutions. Conclusion: As a result of the study, it was determined that students’ opinions regarding the effectiveness of practical training differed significantly according to their level of education. While university students evaluated practical training more negatively, high school students reported more positive evaluations, and no significant difference was found between public and private high schools. In terms of gender, female students evaluated practical training more positively than male students. It was determined that the opinions of mentor healthcare professionals did not differ significantly according to professional seniority, length of service, or educational level. However, while mentor healthcare professionals stated that students did not participate in practical training willingly, students stated that they participated willingly, indicating a contradiction in responses to the same question. Therefore, it is recommended that communication and mentoring processes between students and mentor healthcare professionals be strengthened to improve the quality of practical training.
Keywords: Students, Mentor Healthcare Professionals, Practice Training, Effectiveness