ERIC Number: ED619271
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 153
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-2098-8624-2
ISSN: EISSN-
EISSN: N/A
Bridging the Gap between Noncredit and Credit Health Science Programs in Community Colleges
Gray, Cynthia Mary Elizabeth
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, Northcentral University
The problem examined in this study was that student progression suffers from the lack of structured pathways for noncredit health science college students to credit-bearing health science programs. The problem is compounded by inconsistencies in reporting funding and enrollment data at the state level and the lack of existing research on noncredit courses and divisions. The study was framed by the concept of organizational change. To effect constructive organizational change, leaders must understand the human aspects of the organization. To implement organizational change, a well-defined plan is necessary. The participants in this study consisted of five noncredit health science instructors, five credit health science instructors, and five college administrators at a 2-year community college in the southeastern United States. I used purposive sampling and conducted in-depth, semi-structured, open-ended interviews with the study participants. I explored reasons for the lack of structured pathways and identified the potential benefits of creating structured pathways between noncredit health science programs and credit health science programs. The themes established were the importance of health science programs; the advantages of certifications, pathways, and stackable credentials; the existing gap between credit and noncredit divisions, as well as community colleges and the nontraditional student; and the importance of collaboration and communication. The implications include that community colleges should seek to identify cost-effective recruitment techniques to reach new and diverse student populations. Community colleges should also consider utilizing data-driven decision-making for educational practice. There is an impetus for colleges to redesign and realign internal operations to better the student educational experience. There are opportunities for qualitative and quantitative studies in inter-organizational dynamics and change theory practices. [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.]
Descriptors: Health Sciences, Community Colleges, Courses, Noncredit Courses, Organizational Change, Teacher Attitudes, Administrator Attitudes, Educational Cooperation, Student Recruitment, Educational Environment
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Two Year Colleges
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A