Factors that Influence the Enrollment and Academic Success of Hispanic Studentsin Allied Health and Nursing Programs at a Midwestern University

Abstract

Research indicates there is a deficit of minority health care providers in theUnited States, which is partially due to limited diversity among applicants to healthsciences programs. Increasing the proportion of minority health providers to moreeffectively reflect the communities served has been identified as a strategy to reducehealth disparities. With the continued growth of the Hispanic population in the UnitedStates along with data indicating there is a direct correlation between lack of culturaldiversity of healthcare employees and health disparities, the number of Hispanic studentsenrolling in nursing and allied health programs needs to be increased.The purpose of this study was to ascertain factors that contribute to enrollmentand academic success of Hispanic Students in allied health and nursing programs. EightHispanic students currently enrolled in or recently graduated from allied health or nursingprograms at Midwestern University were interviewed. Data obtained from the interviewswere analyzed to identify themes. Eight themes emerged including (1) insufficiency ofcollege-going information; (2) affording college; (3) fitting in; (4) support and assistance;(5) work and life balance; (6) intrinsic factors; (7) increasing diversity; and (8) financialaid and scholarships. The findings present potential solutions for colleges as they workto increase the number of Hispanic students enrolled in and graduating from allied healthand nursing programs.