Key Factors Leading to Program Selection: A Survey of Physician Assistant Program Interviewees.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Physician Assistant Studies

Background:

• Understanding applicant decision-making is vital for PA program recruitment.
• Identifying key program selection factors can enhance applicant attraction and retention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the most influential factors for physician assistant (PA) program applicants.
• To provide insights for PA programs to improve attractiveness to prospective students.

Main Methods:

• Surveying PA program interviewees on 33 distinct program selection factors.
• Analyzing applicant ratings to determine the significance of various influential elements.

Main Results:

• High faculty and staff quality and morale, along with PANCE pass rates, were most valued.
• Applicant preferences varied based on demographics like marital status, age, and sex.
• Differences in factor importance were observed between pre-PA students and other applicants.

Conclusions:

• Focusing on faculty and staff quality and morale can significantly boost PA program appeal.
• Programs can leverage these insights to attract and retain high-caliber applicants.
• Addressing demographic variations may further optimize recruitment strategies.