Few studies have been completed on the persistence of certificate-seeking students attending American proprietary career colleges. Therefore, this study investigated variables predicting the persistence of certificate-seeking students at ABC Career Health College (a pseudonym), a Texas proprietary career institution. Data for the quantitative survey were gathered from 107 students enrolled in medical and dental assistant certificate programs at this college. A 10-item demographic survey and College Persistence Questionnaire (CPQ) Version 3 with 32 questions were used in this research study. A series of logistic regression and chi-square analyses were performed to examine which predictor variables were statistically significant in the likelihood of student persistence. Results of this study indicated four statistically significant variables: scholastic conscientiousness, degree commitment, academic efficacy, and class attendance shift were associated with persistence. These results further illustrated the importance of keeping students' motivation, goal commitment, and self-belief high while providing a conducive learning environment for students to persist. Understanding the variables and students' experiences contributing to student persistence will allow institutions to model those critical factors. Additional results and implications are highlighted in greater detail. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]