A Study Exploring Student Thriving in Professional Programs: Expanding Our Understanding of Student Success

Abstract

Success in professional programs is attributed and easily quantified by graduation rates and pass rates on certification exams, however, what is missing is a holistic understanding of students’ thriving. This study utilized data from students in Clinical Laboratory Science, Occupational Therapy, and Therapeutic Recreation who completed the Thriving Quotient survey. Students’ thriving in the three domains of academic, intrapersonal, and interpersonal were explored. This study revealed three important results: 1) students are thriving academically 2) they have difficulty juggling the demands of school and work, 3) and they struggle to make social connections. Structures and immersive, experiential learning activities inherent in professional programs support academic thriving. Efforts and strategies are needed to increase students’ coping skills and interpersonal thriving. Recommendations are offered to educators about helping students thrive in professional programs and beyond.