Factors Influencing Physician Assistant Student Attrition Rates

Authors

Jonathan Kilstrom, Jonathan Kilstrom, MPAS, PA-C, is an assistant professor-adjunct for the Yale University School of Medicine PA Online Program in New Haven, Connecticut.
Stephanie Neary, Jonathan Kilstrom, MPAS, PA-C, is an assistant professor-adjunct for the Yale University School of Medicine PA Online Program in New Haven, Connecticut.
Chris Roman, Jonathan Kilstrom, MPAS, PA-C, is an assistant professor-adjunct for the Yale University School of Medicine PA Online Program in New Haven, Connecticut.
Carl Garrubba, Jonathan Kilstrom, MPAS, PA-C, is an assistant professor-adjunct for the Yale University School of Medicine PA Online Program in New Haven, Connecticut.
Susan LeLacheur, Jonathan Kilstrom, MPAS, PA-C, is an assistant professor-adjunct for the Yale University School of Medicine PA Online Program in New Haven, Connecticut.
James Van Rhee, Jonathan Kilstrom, MPAS, PA-C, is an assistant professor-adjunct for the Yale University School of Medicine PA Online Program in New Haven, Connecticut.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

12-1-2022

Journal

The journal of physician assistant education : the official journal of the Physician Assistant Education Association

Volume

33

Issue

4

DOI

10.1097/JPA.0000000000000468

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess factors that influence student well-being and attrition and to compare faculty perceptions to the realities of student experience. METHODS: Three anonymous online surveys were distributed, one for each group of currently enrolled students, faculty/staff, and attritted students. RESULTS: Faculty estimated that an average of 12.8% of PA students in their program have considered dropping out in the past 6 months, while 22.9% of students self-reported considering dropping out in the past 6 months. The most frequently cited factors for considering dropping out were mental health and lack of connection to the program. Mental health was the highest cited reason for having taken or having considered taking a leave of absence. DISCUSSION: Faculty perceptions in this study were incongruent with the actual situations of their students. Mental health issues and a lack of connection to programs were the largest influencers of attrition.

APA Citation

Kilstrom, Jonathan; Neary, Stephanie; Roman, Chris; Garrubba, Carl; LeLacheur, Susan; and Van Rhee, James, "Factors Influencing Physician Assistant Student Attrition Rates" (2022). GW Authored Works. Paper 2175.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/2175

Department

Physician Assistant Studies