Student Retention in Hybrid Accelerated Health Care Programs: Challenges and Strategies

Hybrid Accelerated Health Care Programs (HAHPs) are gaining traction in higher education. Their appeal lies in their flexibility, combining online coursework with in-person immersions, allowing students to complete their degrees faster.  

This model attracts diverse students from underserved regions, various socioeconomic backgrounds, and a range of academic profiles.

Although this diversity is crucial for the future of health care professions, it also presents challenges in maintaining retention and academic success. This article will explore these challenges and discuss strategies to minimize attrition and support student success.

Challenges in Retaining HAHP Students

One of the primary hurdles faced by HAHPs is identifying clear predictors for student success. Kayla Black, PT, DPT, EdD Director of Student Affairs at the Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, describes retention as incredibly individualistic.  

“Each student brings a unique set of circumstances to their academic experience, making it difficult to generalize or predict their ability to succeed in a hybrid-accelerated model,” Dr Black said. “Factors such as geographical isolation, familial responsibilities, and varying academic readiness levels impact students’ ability to thrive in a fast-paced, hybrid learning environment.”  

One challenge that arises is the isolation that can result from the hybrid nature of these programs. Since students are located across the country, they may find it difficult to form and maintain connections with peers and faculty. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and disengagement from their studies.

Academic success relies heavily on individual attributes such as time management skills, initiative, self-directedness, and the student’s home environment and support structure. Deficits in these attributes and academic preparedness may indicate that a student is not ideally suited for an accelerated, hybrid program.  

Some students may benefit more from traditional models of education. Ensuring that students are matched to the appropriate learning environment is crucial for preventing program mismatches and subsequent attrition.  

Student Retention Strategies: Admissions, Onboarding and Curriculum Design  

To effectively address the retention challenges within HAHPs, institutions must take a comprehensive approach focusing on students' needs at different stages of their academic journey. This involves strategies that cover admissions, onboarding, curriculum design, and ongoing student support. A holistic program strategy will create an environment that fosters student success, keeps them engaged, and identifies at-risk students early.

Admissions Strategies

The admissions process for HAHPs is the first and one of the most critical steps in ensuring student retention. HAHPs need a thorough and holistic process beyond traditional metrics like GPA and standardized test scores. Here are three things to consider:

1. The student’s readiness for the hybrid model and their ability to manage the demands of online learning coupled with intensive, in-person lab sessions.
2. The current expectations for work-life balance. For example, a student who needs to work while pursuing their education may not be an ideal candidate for accelerated programs, given the academic intensity and time demands.  
3. Finally, the applicant’s emotional resilience and adaptability must be considered to thrive in an educational model with periodic face-to-face interactions.

Students need to have a clear understanding of the program’s requirements during the application process. Transparency about the rigors of HAHPs will allow prospective students to make more informed decisions. This can be achieved through informational sessions or webinars in which program faculty clearly outline expectations such as workload, course intensity, and necessary time management skills.  

It's essential to clearly communicate the likelihood of success for students who need to work full-time so that applicants understand the potential challenges of balancing work with such a demanding program. This transparency prevents program mismatches, where students drop out due to unrealistic expectations about their ability to manage the program's demands.

Onboarding Strategies

The onboarding process is critical for ensuring students feel welcomed, connected, and supported. Institutions should adopt proactive strategies to integrate students into the program even before formal classes begin.  

Connecting students with their classmates and faculty well before the program starts can help reduce anxiety and create a sense of community. Upon acceptance into the program, inviting students into private social media groups allows them to introduce themselves, share their backgrounds, and form connections with peers and students.  

Preparatory courses can be especially valuable for students who may have struggled with foundational subjects like anatomy or physiology in their undergraduate studies. Bootcamp-style preparatory courses allow students to brush up on key concepts, familiarize themselves with the program’s course design, and bolster their confidence before classes officially begin.

Intentional efforts to foster an inclusive and supportive environment should start on day one of admission and not wait for students to matriculate. Welcome events, both virtual and in-person, can help students get acquainted with the faculty, administrative staff, and each other prior to program launch.  

Curriculum Design Strategies

An engaging and thoughtfully designed curriculum is the backbone of any successful program, and it plays an especially important role in retaining students in HAHPs. Given the program's hybrid nature, the curriculum must be adaptive, interactive, and responsive to the needs of diverse learners.  

Evidence In Motion (EIM) works with its university partners to ensure that curriculum design is engaging and meets high standards for graduate health care programs.

The curriculum should incorporate various learning strategies to cater to different learning preferences and needs, keeping students focused and motivated. This can include:

• Multimedia resources: Video lectures, interactive simulations, and discussion boards that make learning more dynamic and engaging.

• Active learning methods: Incorporating case-based learning, group projects, and problem-solving sessions that encourage students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts.

• Regular feedback loops: Frequent assessments—both formative and summative—allow students to understand their progress and where they need improvement. This includes online quizzes, self-assessments, and peer evaluations.

• Lab Immersions: In HAHPs, hands-on lab and clinical immersions bridge theory and practice by providing interactive, structured experiences that align with online coursework. Furthermore, they provide a structured experience where students can practice skills in a controlled, supervised environment.

To ensure student retention, faculty members and curriculum designers should engage in continuous evaluation and improvement of course materials and learning strategies. This involves regular curriculum reviews to ensure that learning objectives are being met and students are prepared for each successive step in their training.  

Ongoing student feedback allows programs and faculty to adjust their teaching strategies in real time, addressing student concerns before they escalate.

In Part 2 of the article, we will discuss the comprehensive student support structure necessary to improve retention in graduate health care education and an accelerated hybrid environment.