Factors Influencing Student Success in Associate Degree Respiratory Therapy Programs

Purpose

Research suggests behavioral, personal, and environmental factors each appear to influence student success; however, the results are inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to identify factors influencing student success in associate degree respiratory therapy programs by analyzing existing educational data from student records.

Method

A convenience sample of students enrolling in the eight associate degree respiratory therapy programs of a large community college system in the Midwestern United States during 2016 and 2017 (N = 226) was utilized. Historical data from student records were categorized as either a behavioral, a personal, or an environmental factor, and then were analyzed to determine the influence of each factor on student success, defined as degree completion.

Results

Binary logistic regression (BLR) models demonstrated significant predictive relationships between specific behavioral factors, personal factors, and environmental factors and degree completion. Significant predictors of degree completion included the following: grade in first program course, first program term and end of first term cumulative grade point averages (GPAs), and failing a required program course (behavioral factors); student age, ethnicity, and gender (personal factors); and campus of attendance and advising model (environmental factors).

Discussion

Results suggest specific behavioral factors, specific personal factors, and specific environmental factors each appear to influence student success, providing additional clarity to results found in the literature. Practical implications for leaders and for future research on student success are discussed.