A Scalable Advising Model for Part-Time, Distant Learners in Graduate Health Professions Education Programs

Area of Science:

• Health Professions Education
• Academic Advising
• Adult Learning

Background:

• Graduate health professions education (HPE) programs face challenges supporting diverse learners, including working adults, part-time students, and remote learners.
• Advisors often lack formal training and manage competing priorities, impacting the crucial advisor-advisee relationship.
• A lack of standardized, evidence-based advising practices necessitates independent program navigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the implementation and outcomes of the TOTAL Advising model in a graduate HPE program.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of a structured advising framework designed to support adult learners in HPE.
• To provide a model for improving advising practices and learner success in graduate HPE.

Main Methods:

• The Department of Health Professions Education established a dedicated advising cadre (n=7) utilizing the TOTAL Advising model.
• The TOTAL Advising model incorporates five key practices: train advisors, onboard learners, frequent check-ins, annual reviews, and learner reviews.
• Learner experiences were assessed through post-graduation interviews (n=21), and program outcomes were tracked from May 2018 to May 2024.

Main Results:

• Learner interviews revealed themes aligning with the program's guiding beliefs: learner capability, community, and clear communication.
• The program achieved a 99% graduation rate (568/574 learners) between May 2018 and May 2024.
• Only 1% (6 learners) were disenrolled during the study period, indicating high retention.

Conclusions:

• The TOTAL Advising model provides a successful framework for supporting graduate HPE learners, particularly adult and remote students.
• The model's emphasis on advisor training, structured support, and clear communication contributes to high learner engagement and program completion.
• Future steps include evaluating advisor training effectiveness and disseminating best practices to the broader HPE community.