Recruitment strategies used by an allied health education program to increase student enrollment.

OBJECTIVE

To increase student enrollment in and public awareness of a Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) program so that the program would not be eliminated by the University.

SETTING

The Medical Technology (MT) program at the University of Delaware (UD).

PRACTICE DESCRIPTION

The MT program is a 2 + 2 university-based program established in 1948. The program is accredited for 26 students. PRACTICE INNOVATIONS: Various recruitment activities were used to increase enrollment including presentation at high schools, and panel discussions and open houses held on campus. Extensive publicity on and off campus was used to inform the community about CLS.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Student enrollment in the program and the results of a survey administered to students enrolled in a CLS introductory course.

RESULTS

There were 22 students in the 1993-1994 graduating class compared to 10 in the 1992-1993 class. The enrollment also increased for the junior, sophomore, and freshman classes. Because of increased student enrollment and public awareness, the University decided not to eliminate the MT program.

CONCLUSION

No single recruitment activity contributed to the increased numbers; rather, it appears that all of the activities contributed to the rise in enrollment of MT majors at UD.