Recruiting for Success: The Relationship Between Persistence and First Time Credentialing Exam Pass Rates of Respiratory Therapy Graduates

Background: A recent trend in health care education, especially in respiratory therapy (RT), is the decline of applications to undergraduate programs. With the aging population and projected increase in health care costs, the future RT workforce will need to be strong and increase by 23% in the next 10 years. With applications to RT programs down 42%, recruitment has become an issue of utmost importance. The purpose of this research is to determine the relationship between first time Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) exam high cut and Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE) pass rates of recent RT graduates from an Ohio university and their self-efficacy and persistence. Additionally, this study seeks to identify current recruitment strategies in higher education, health science and RT education and develop a framework for future recruitment to the field. Methods: IRB approval was obtained. Participants were recent RT graduates of an entry to practice baccalaureate program between 2014-2022. Participants were surveyed using The College Persistence Questionnaire- Version 3 short form, the Career Decision Self-Efficacy Scale Short Form and additional open-ended questions. Results: The results show that with 85% accuracy, high levels of persistence will predict credentialing exam success on the first attempt. There is a statistically significant positive predictive relationship between level of persistence and TMC high cut and CSE first time pass rates (P = .17). Current strategies noted were exploration courses, involvement fairs, reputation, and personal faculty representation. Conclusions: Targeting of students with high levels of persistence may be a future strategy utilized when recruiting into RT educational programs. Additionally, a future RT framework should include positive experiences with faculty and alumni and digital platforms and courses highlighting RT program achievements.