Attrition of On-line Graduate Nursing Students Before and After Program Structural Changes

This study assessed attrition rates and reasons for withdrawal among on-line graduate students before and after the implementation of program structural changes in 2008. A descriptive retrospective cohort study was conducted using the academic and advising records of 853 on-line graduate nursing students enrolled between 2005 and 2010. Three student cohorts were examined: (Cohort 1) students who entered and withdrew prior to 2008, (Cohort 2) students who entered before and withdrew after 2008, and (Cohort 3) students who entered and withdrew after 2008. The proportions of student attrition from each cohort were 43% (97 out of 225 students), 19% (52 out of 277 students), and 7.4% (26 out of 351 students), respectively. Results indicated that students' attrition rates in Cohorts 2 and 3 were significantly less than Cohort 1. Supported by Alexander Astin's input–experience–output model, 2 major themes emerged as reasons for withdrawal—personal and academic. Findings from this study provided a critical view for further investigation and serve as an evaluation tool to identify trends and develop appropriate supportive interventions that facilitate positive student outcomes. Further research is warranted to investigate the effects of the program structural changes on students' attitudes and program satisfaction.