JCHP Longitudinal Study: A Brief Overview

The Jefferson College of Health Professions (JCHP) has established the JCHP Longitudinal Study to collect and analyze a wide range of information about its nursing and allied health students and graduates. Data are gathered from the time individuals apply to Jefferson until 10 years after graduation. The study is modeled, in part, on the highly regarded Longitudinal Study of Medical Students which is conducted by the Center for Research in Medical Education and Health Care, Jefferson Medical College.

The JCHP Longitudinal Study, which falls under the auspices of the College's Center for Collaborative Research, is designed to serve two major purposes. First, as a form of institutional research, its findings contribute to the ongoing evaluation and improvement of existing academic and student services in the College. For example, study findings are used in efforts to enhance the Office of Admissions and Enrollment Management and the Career Development Center. The College's academic departments use the results in self-evaluation activities, including accreditation reports (e.g., Middle States, National League for Nursing).

Second, the data represent a resource for investigating broader research questions in allied health and nursing education, especially those related to outcomes such as academic success, career patterns and satisfaction.

Specifically, the JCHP Longitudinal Study collects demographic, academic, attitudinal and career-related information about students and alumni in six professional fields of study (dental hygiene, diagnostic imaging, laboratory sciences, nursing, occupational therapy, and physical therapy). The JCHP Longitudinal Study also builds on data previously collected for enrollment research and career services purposes and, thus, some type of data are available for the years prior to 1989.

During each academic year, the following seven surveys are conducted:

• Matriculant Survey
• Junior Student Satisfaction Survey
• Senior Survey and Addendum
• Alumni Survey - 1.5 years post-graduation and Addendum
• Alumni Survey - 5 years post-graduation
• Alumni Survey - 10 years post-graduation
• Employer Survey - 2 years after graduation