Needs Assessment of Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences students in counseling and guidance in the academic year 2024-2025

Introduction
Understanding the counseling needs of learners is essential for successful planning to address these needs and can help improve the counseling process. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the counseling and guidance needs of students at Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences (NUMS).
Method
In this cross-sectional analytical study, 300 students from NUMS were enrolled using a stratified random sampling method during the 2024-2025 academic year. The data collection tool was a valid and reliable questionnaire on students' counseling needs. The data were entered into SPSS version 26 and analyzed using descriptive statistics, as well as inferential T-test and ANOVA.
Results
The average scores of counseling needs from the students' perspective were as follows: career needs, 2.7±0.9; personal growth and development needs, 2.6±0.8; educational needs, 2.4±0.8; marriage and emotional-psychological needs, 2.3 ± 0.8. The needs of students in five areas had a positive and direct relationship with each other (r=0.675, p<0.001). These counseling needs varied according to academic semester, field of study, and the father's education level (p<0.022).
Conclusion
According to the findings, it is recommended that workshops be designed and implemented by experienced consultants in various fields, particularly to familiarize participants with job opportunities, techniques for increasing concentration and self-confidence, as well as correct study methods. Although addressing high-priority needs is important, the positive and direct relationship among the five areas of counseling needs suggests that university officials need to develop effective programs to address all aspects of student counseling needs.