Higher Education Commons^™

The Effectiveness Of Virtual Reality And Augmented Reality-Based Simulation On Healthcare Students' Learning-A Review Of The Literature, Matthew Mills

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Simulation is increasingly used to supplement authentic clinical experiences in preparation for future healthcare students. However, the most realistic simulation experiences are frequently costly, time-intensive, and difficult to scale, especially for programs with budgetary restrictions. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have been proposed as easily scalable tools to provide students with a realistic simulated environment. However, as technology is rapidly evolving, there is a need to understand the evidence surrounding VR and AR's impact on healthcare student learning to optimize the deployment of these technologies and justify the costs associated with implementation. Methods: A review of the …

National Physical Therapy Examination Scores From 2023 And 2024 Cohorts In The United States, Richard Cahanin, James W. Farris, Tara Andrews, Preston Warren, Jennifer Patterson, Shawn Drake, Barry Dale

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This study aimed to determine which student academic performance variables within physical therapy education programs most strongly predicted NPTE scores. Methods: A prospective, multi-institutional cohort study with 228 doctoral physical therapy students representing the 2023 and 2024 cohorts was conducted. Hierarchical multiple linear regression and receiver operating characteristic analyses were used to evaluate research hypotheses. Results: No significant difference in NPTE scores between the 2023 and 2024 cohorts was found (p = .936). A streamlined model identified 2-year DPT GPA (p < .001), total PEAT score (p = .004), and total GRE score (p = .046) as the most significant …

Does Relevant Work Experience Influence Academic Success? A Retrospective Study Of Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students, Nicole Tombers, Kate Corrigan, Rylee Kwiatkowski, Gwinna Remillard, Morgan Scanlon, Maddy Soderberg

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Relevant work experience is a factor considered in holistic admissions practices of many health profession education programs. The benefits of observation hours on student career choice and subsequent academic success have been explored. Many programs additionally consider paid work experience as a factor in admissions decisions; however the influence of relevant work experience on academic outcomes is unknown. This study examined relationships between paid physical therapy related work experience and performance in a DPT program. Method: Data from 945 applicants resulting in 191 matriculants to a single DPT program were included. Employment history for all applicants was coded as …

The Effect Of Debriefing Following A Computer-Based Low-Fidelity Simulation On The Self-Efficacy Of Health Professions Students: A Randomized Cross-Over Control Study, Matthew Mills, Enrico Gandolfi, Richard E. Ferdig, Kimberly Peer

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Simulations have been increasingly used in health science education to supplement clinical experience. There is evidence of the benefits of high-fidelity simulation (HFS) with debriefing, but HFS is costly and time-intensive to administer. Low-fidelity simulation (LFS) has been proposed as an alternative that is easier to scale and more cost-effective; however, the evidence surrounding its impact on students is mixed, possibly because debriefing is frequently omitted in LFS. Methods: A randomized experimental mixed methods cross-over control study was performed to evaluate the impact of a structured debriefing session following an interactive computer-based low-fidelity simulation on the self-efficacy and anxiety …

Institutional Prestige And Prerequisite Performance As Predictors Of Academic Success In Doctor Of Physical Therapy Programs: A Pilot Retrospective Cohort Study, Margaret Wicinski, Tamala Marcin

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This pilot study examined relationships between Carnegie Classification levels of undergraduate institutions, prerequisite anatomy and physiology (AP) performance, and academic success in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) education. Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed records from 83 students who graduated from a single DPT program in 2019. Data included Carnegie Classifications of prerequisite institutions, undergraduate anatomy and physiology grade point average (UGPA AP 1&2 GPA), first-term pathophysiology course grade (Patho GPA), and Doctor of Physical Therapy program grade point average (DPT GPA). Statistical analyses included Spearman rank order correlation (rs) and Kruskal-Wallis tests with effect size calculations. Power analysis …

A Word From The Writing Team (March 2026), Pam Walter, Mfa, Laura Deloretta, Phd

A Word From the Writing Team (Newsletter)

No abstract provided.

Collaborative Learning In Clinical Education As A Catalyst To Support Foundational Professional Competencies In Speech-Language Pathology: A Theoretical Framework, Lori-Ann Ferraro

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

As a part of every speech-language pathology graduate program in the US, clinical education is an integral and required element for both academic accreditation and the eventual clinical certification for students. Clinical education is significantly important when considering overall educational models because it is an aspect of a student’s education that contributes to their ability to make connections between what is learned in the classroom and its real-world clinical application while contributing to the acquisition of competencies. The 2:1 collaborative learning model is supported by sound learning theories and evidence from the literature. A theoretical framework was created to demonstrate …

Developing Critical Thinking Skills In Undergraduate Csd Students Through A Case Study Project, Lydia R. Kruse, Windi Krok

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Critical thinking skills are crucial for Speech-Language Pathologists to effectively assess, diagnose, and treat communication disorders. However, the optimal timing for teaching these skills to future clinicians remains an open question. Most of the current research is focused on developing critical thinking skills in graduate students, though there is some evidence to suggest that students should be working to develop critical thinking skills during their undergraduate education. This work describes the critical thinking skills demonstrated by undergraduate students in a Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD program) through a case study project, as well as their self-perceptions. Results indicate relative weakness …

Development And Impact Of A Review Course For The Praxis Examination In Speech- Language Pathology, Miriam Baigorri, George Pagano

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Abstract

The Praxis II: Subject Assessment in Speech-Language Pathology is a required national examination for certification and licensure in the United States. However, disparities in pass rates, particularly among culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) test takers, create barriers to professional entry. This study examines students' perceptions of the effectiveness of an Examination Preparation Course, designed to enhance student success through structured content review, practice exams, and test-taking strategies. A total of 70 graduates (2018–2023) who completed the course participated in an online survey assessing their demographics, perceptions of the course’s effectiveness, and confidence levels before and after taking the course. …

2026 February 17 - Medical Student Education Committee Minutes, Medical Student Education Committee, East Tennessee State University

Medical Student Education Committee Minutes

No abstract provided.

Counselors’ Experiences Of The Alliance In Videoconference Supervision: The Role Of Nonverbals, John E. Trenery, Azra Karajic Siwiec, Randall L. Astramovich

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

The role of nonverbal immediacy and intimacy in shaping the supervisory alliance during videoconference-based clinical supervision is understudied. Using a generic qualitative research design, data were collected from 15 practicing counselors through semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis identified six primary themes, highlighting both the perceived barriers and the essential role of nonverbal cues, as well as the need for amplified behaviors in video-based interactions. The findings point to significant gaps in telesupervision training and introduce a novel framework to strengthen telepresence in videoconference supervision. This study offers actionable insight for educational institutions and governing bodies, emphasizing the importance of targeted curricula …

Face And Content Validation Analysis Of The Professional Pain Preparation Questionnaire For Use In Physical Therapist Education, Rodiel Kirby Baloy

Journal of Innovation in Health Sciences Education

Introduction: Physical therapy educational preparation for the management of individuals in pain may be determined based on the themes of: (1) level of academic preparation, (2) educational hours spent studying pain, including postgraduate training and certification, and (3) clinical experience. This study assessed the face and content validity of a tool, the Professional Pain Preparation Questionnaire (PPP-Q), to assess expert perception as to the value and relevance of each of the identified domains.

Methods: Twelve respondents were enlisted for face validity, and five experts were recruited for content validity. Descriptive statistics, specifically frequency and percentage, were used to describe …

A Word From The Writing Team (February 2026), Pam Walter, Mfa, Laura Deloretta, Phd

A Word From the Writing Team (Newsletter)

No abstract provided.

Humanity Is Evolving Its Consciousness: The Role Of Archetypal Energies As Guides During An Unfolding Weeding Out And Alignment Process, Carroy U. Ferguson

Psychology Faculty Publication Series

Humanity is evolving its consciousness at individual and collective levels.  Given these seemingly tumultuous times, as of this writing (January 2026), to make such a statement may sound like a strange thing to say.  However, I suggest that if you are alive today and if you are reading these words, these are the very times for which you were born—to assist Humanity as it evolves its consciousness with your unique gifts, whatever they may be.  That is, this period of our individual and collective human being-ness may be characterized as an unfolding period of weeding out and alignment with the …

What's New With Journal Subscriptions And Open Access Fee Waivers (2026), Rebecca Bealer Mlis, Lsu Health Libraries

Library Instruction

2026 brings a few changes to journals and fee waivers offered by the Library. We will cover journals added and cancelled, as well as continuing and new open access and fee waiver agreements. Recorded session from the information session that took place on January 28, 2026.

Writing Professional Papers Worksheet With Scavenger Hunt: A Simple Strategy To Strengthen Dietetic Writing, Stacy Bevan

Journal of Dietetic Education

Time between learning scientific writing skills and when dietetic students need to transfer that knowledge to discipline-specific research papers in upper division courses may result in a lack of writing skills. Dietetic educators be unfamiliar with writing strategies to improve student writing. A Writing Professional Papers worksheet was developed to help students define components of professional papers, draft a thesis, and then participate in a scavenger hunt using examples of two types of professional papers to identify target issues and avoid common issues seen in student papers. Students in an upper division Maternal and Child Nutrition course responded to an …

Public Policy Education: Insights From Graduate Dietetics Students, J. Mitchell Vaterlaus, Lindsay Ganong, D. Coleen Kaiser, Emily Patten

Journal of Dietetic Education

Objective: To examine graduate dietetics students’ experiences completing a public policy course outside of their discipline. Methods: Participants were 40 graduate dietetics students at a university in the Western United States. At the conclusion of a public policy course offered through another department, students completed online surveys with fixed-response and open-ended items. Quantitative data were analyzed using paired t tests, and qualitative responses were examined using codebook thematic analysis. Results: Three themes included (1) Recognizing the interconnection between policy and dietetics practice, (2) From policy hesitancy to policy understanding; and (3) Humanizing policy: public policy and holistic client care. Students …

Transforming Dietetics Curriculum: A Culinary Nutrition Certificate Grounded In Competency-Based Innovation, Jennifer R. Watson, Rachel C. Sinley, Jangwoo Jo

Journal of Dietetic Education

Culinary nutrition has become a promising interdisciplinary field that combines culinary arts and nutritional science to enhance health outcomes through practical, food-based education. As the healthcare landscape increasingly emphasizes preventive care, dietitians are well-positioned to lead culinary nutrition initiatives; however, formal training opportunities remain scarce. To address this gap, Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) created a new Culinary Nutrition Certificate that combines experiential cooking coursework from the School of Hospitality with core nutrition education from the Department of Nutrition. This paper places the certificate within the broader context of culinary nutrition and dietetics education, emphasizing the importance of …

Implementing An Interprofessional Virtual Journal Club For Health-Focused Students, Hillary L. Roberts, Cynthia Aurentz, Mccall E. Christian, Jessica K. Willis, Caitlin J. Masterson

Journal of Dietetic Education

Students (N = 135) pursuing degrees in health-focused programs participated in an interprofessional virtual journal club during the spring semesters of 2022 and 2023. The journal club was integrated into multiple courses and facilitated through the university’s learning management system and a web conferencing platform. Students applied the 2016 Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) Core Competencies throughout the activity. The journal club included four pre-selected articles on ethics in healthcare, and students developed one discussion question per article to guide synchronous virtual discussions. The IPEC Competency Self-Assessment Tool was administered before and after participation. Paired samples t-tests showed statistically significant change …

Student Exposure To Andhii Part Ii: Cross-Cohort Improvements In Confidence Without Parallel Gains In Documentation Quality When Applying The Nutrition Care Process, Casey Colin, Lindsay Woodcock

Journal of Dietetic Education

The purpose of this study was to compare differences in Nutrition Care Process (NCP) confidence and documentation quality across two different undergraduate student cohorts. This quasi-experimental trial was conducted with n = 29 total undergraduate dietetic students (2023 cohort), then compared with results from the previous years’ (2022) cohort (n = 43). NCP confidence was measured before and after students completed traditional case studies (time 1 and time 2) and after completing an ANDHII case study using an electronic and interactive NCP documentation platform (time 3) for each cohort, then compared between cohorts. Documentation quality was measured using a validated …

Editors’ Message, Diana Cuy Castellanos, M Elizabeth (Beth) Miller

Journal of Dietetic Education

This edition of the Journal of Dietetic Education highlights specialized skill training and attainment and interprofessional collaboration in dietetic students. Our featured original research explores how we prepare students for the complexities of current practice—ranging from the digital documentation of the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) to the integration of culinary medicine.

Cover, Table Of Contents, About The Journal

Journal of Dietetic Education

No abstract provided.

2026 January 20 - Medical Student Education Committee Minutes, Medical Student Education Committee, East Tennessee State University

Medical Student Education Committee Minutes

No abstract provided.

College Students' Barriers To Mental Health Support Services: A Practitioner's Perspective, Rebecca C. Johnson

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The purpose of this study was to identify barriers to accessing mental health support for college students from the perspective of college faculty counselors. In 2022, research indicated that over 60% of college students met the criteria for one or more mental health conditions (Lipson et al., 2022), though data published in the same year revealed that practitioners employed at colleges and universities are only supporting an average of 12.2% of the student population (Bruns et al., 2023). While college counseling centers have reported increasing usage rates, there remains a gap in the number of students utilizing services versus those …

Investigating The Efficacy Of An Online Multigenerational Awareness Course For Occupational Therapy Students – A Pilot Study, Susan Blair, Barbara M. Doucet, Jerilyn Callen, Kirsten Davin, Shelby Hutchinson

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

In today’s multigenerational society, particularly in health care settings, thriving can be challenging because of generational differences. Occupational therapy educational programs (OTEPs) prepare students for work environments where three to four different generations may be present. This study examines the effectiveness of an online multigenerational awareness (MGA) course. The secondary objectives include increasing students’ knowledge of enhanced multigenerational collaboration and communication strategies in preparation for future clinical practice. A pilot group of eight participants from various university departments reviewed the course content and completed preenrollment and postenrollment surveys, providing feedback regarding the applicability and perceived usefulness of the multigenerational awareness …

Automating Academia: Implications Of Genai Use In Doctoral Research And Online Mentoring, Cheryl Burleigh, Andrea M. Wilson

Journal of Online Mentoring

This study critically examines the use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), specifically ChatGPT, in the development of doctoral dissertation proposals, highlighting both its potential and its ethical implications. Through a content analysis of a dissertation proposal created using ChatGPT, the study investigates how GenAI supports structural organization, academic writing, and citation formatting while exposing significant concerns related to fabricated references, methodological misalignment, and diminished scholarly rigor. Although GenAI accelerates the proposal-writing process, its outputs often lack the depth, coherence, and originality expected at the doctoral level, thereby threatening the integrity of academic research. Findings reveal that GenAI-generated content may deceive …

Exploring The Leadership Journeys Of Female College Presidents At Health Professions Focused Institutions: An Explanatory Sequential Mixed Methods Study, Caroline S. Zeind, Bobbie Ann Adair White, Yoon Soo Park, Tewodros Eguale, Anne Thompson

Journal of Research on the College President

National data on the academic presidency reflect a long-standing gender gap with little known about the presidency at health professions focused institutions (HPFIs). This mixed methods study explored the relationships between the academic presidency and institutional characteristics of HPFIs, and the leadership journeys of female presidents at HPFIs. An analysis of institutional and leadership data for 487 HPFIs was conducted using a quantitative approach, followed by interviews of 15 female presidents at HPFIs to understand their perceptions of the barriers, and factors that helped with presidency attainment. The results of 479 HPFIs revealed that only 36.3% of women served as …

Exploring The Role Of Occupational Therapy In The Delivery Of Trauma-Informed Services To Hospital-Based Clients Ot, Frank Czuba

Journal of Applied Disciplines

Hospitalization can traumatize clients and impact overall health outcomes, leading to increased hospital readmission rates and resulting in a negative impact for both clients and providers. Limited information exists regarding how hospital-based occupational therapists evaluate and address trauma, even though incorporating trauma-informed principles into professional practice can enhance the occupational therapy process. The study explored the comprehension and perceived significance of trauma-informed tenets among occupational therapists delivering services in hospital-based settings. A quantitative research study with an exploratory design was implemented to explore how occupational therapists (OT) understand and utilize trauma-informed practices with their clients in a hospital setting. An …

From Silos To Systems: A Conceptual Framework For Workforce Aligned Oral Health Education, Meghan Bastin

2026 Scholarly Teaching Conference: Poster Session Papers

In the current U.S. educational system, becoming a dentist follows a few prescriptive pathways.  Learners typically complete an undergraduate degree before entering time-intensive doctoral training.  This results in only 3-4 years of direct professional education embedded within an eight -year process, while learners accumulate significant financial investment in their education.  With the average cost of graduate-level dental education alone exceeding $300,000 and new federal borrowing limits likely to further constrain access, there is an opportunity to explore alternative ways of structuring oral health education.

This poster presents a conceptual, system-level framework that explores a perspective in which oral health education …

Noncognitive Predictors Of Academic Performance In Undergraduate Allied Health Professionals Students, Keleigh Pershina, Michael Mehall, Alexandra Hollo

2026 Scholarly Teaching Conference: Poster Session Papers

Undergraduate students in allied health professions face substantial academic, clinical, and personal demands that may affect academic performance and attainment of professional goals. Noncognitive factors such as stress, coping, and burnout have been identified as important contributors to academic outcomes in health professions education; however, empirical work examining these variables has yielded conflicting results. To identify potential student supports specific to undergraduate students within a land grant, rural serving institution in Appalachia, we conducted a survey to ask how personal factors such as burnout, stress, depression, and coping skills would predict academic success. A sample of 19 students complete a …