Introduction. The study conducted a comparative analysis of the lifestyle of students of medical educational institutions of different levels (SPE and HE) in the context of the formation of the health of future medical professionals. According to the results of an online survey of 472 students of OrGMU and railway college in Orenburg (using the methodology for assessing the risk of lifestyle factors of Rospotrebnadzor, 2012) revealed statistically significant differences: students demonstrate higher rates of risky behavioral patterns, low physical activity, unbalanced diet, sleep disorders and a higher incidence of chronic diseases. Based on the data, recommendations are formulated for the development of preventive programs with an emphasis on implementation among HE students. Goal. The study of the lifestyle of medical students at the level of secondary vocational (SPE) and higher education (HE) in the context of the formation of the health of medical workers. Materials and methods. The sample size was calculated using the tabular method of K.A. Otdelnova, which provided increased accuracy of the results [4]. 472 students took part in the anonymous online survey: 241 students of secondary vocational education (SPE) of Orenburg Railway College and 231 students of higher education (HE) of Orenburg State Medical University (OrGMU). The questionnaire was developed based on a methodology for assessing the risk associated with the impact of lifestyle factors on public health (Federal Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor, 2012). Statistical data processing was performed using the Statistica 10.0 program. Intensive and extensive response rates were calculated. Pearson's χ2 criterion was used to compare the groups. Results. In the course of the study, a comparative analysis of the lifestyle of students of secondary vocational (SPE) and higher education (HE) was performed. Statistically significant differences in most indicators have been identified. HE students demonstrate a higher level of risky behavior: smoking is noted in 24.7% (versus 12.4% in vocational schools), alcohol consumption in 30.7% (versus 23.9%). The VO's risk score for bad habits is almost twice as high (2.11 vs. 1.03; p