The article presents the results of an applied sociological study conducted at the Sverdlovsk Regional Medical College and devoted to the problems of young people choosing a future profession in connection with their ideas about its value and content. The leading role is played by the values that determine the internal and external content components of the medical profession (philanthropy, humanism, benefit, application of acquired skills and abilities, responsibility and independence). Pragmatic motives (gaining a guarantee of stable employment) are important for students. At the same time, students do not sufficiently perceive their future professional activities from the standpoint of the communicative value component, focused on verbal interaction with patients and their social environment.