First year allied health student transition to a regional university

Marion Gray; Susan Gordon; Maureen O'Neill; Wendy M Pearce

doi:10.1111/ajr.12581

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First year allied health student transition to a regional university

Journal article

Peer reviewed

First year allied health student transition to a regional university

Marion Gray, Susan Gordon, Maureen O'Neill and Wendy M Pearce

Australian Journal of Rural Health, Vol.27(6), pp.497-504

2019

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/ajr.12581

Appears in UniSC Diversity and Inclusion Research Collection

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Abstract

allied health

first year experience

mature-age student

regional university

university transition

UniSC Diversity Area - Life Stages

Objective: Students from regional and remote backgrounds are more likely to stay and work in regional and remote locations. Health students transition and retention at university impacts the retainment of a competent rural health workforce. This study aimed to examine the perceptions of allied health students as they reflected upon their first six weeks at university and identified strategies which enhanced these experiences. Design: A cross-sectional study. Surveys were administered to students who then completed a reflection exercise. Data were analysed using Pearson correlation coefficient and chi-squares. Setting: An Australian regional university. Participants: First year occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech pathology students. Main outcome measures: Factors influencing the first 6 weeks at university. Results: One hundred and forty-three students participated. Homesickness was the major challenge in transitioning to university life. Subthemes identified were adjusting to being away from home, adjusting to university culture and the mature-aged student. Specific issues included a lack of familiarity with university campuses and services, being unprepared for the workload and confusion while learning new skills. Conclusion: Orientation week activities assist students transition into university and age-appropriate and family-friendly activities should be considered for mature-age students. All students were found to benefit from support to address economic pressures and skill development focusing on coping with university workload. The development of regional university policy including these strategies is likely to enhance student success.

Details

Title: First year allied health student transition to a regional university
Authors: Marion Gray (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Susan Gordon (Author) - James Cook University
Maureen O'Neill (Author) - James Cook University
Wendy M Pearce (Author) - James Cook University
Publication details: Australian Journal of Rural Health, Vol.27(6), pp.497-504
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia
Date published: 2019
DOI: 10.1111/ajr.12581
ISSN: 1440-5282
Organisation Unit: Centre for Support and Advancement of Learning and Teaching; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450836102621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Nursing; Public, Environmental & Occupational Health

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