Date of Completion

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Speech Language Pathology

Keywords

Program Choice, Qualitative Study

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the factors influencing the undergraduate program choice of first-year speech-language pathology students in DLSMHSI. The objectives were accomplished by utilizing a qualitative phenomenological design. An open-ended semi-structured interview was conducted for 15-30 minutes via MS Teams to gather data from 5 first-year BSSLP students who were sampled using maximum variation and convenience sampling. The research instrument was validated by an SLP with at least 10 years of experience in the profession and held an administrative position in the DLSMHSI CRS-SLP Department. It consisted of open-ended and follow-up questions about the experience of how BSSLP was chosen as an undergraduate program, as well as the knowledge, exposure, interest, and personal factors that influenced the decision.

Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The researchers generated 6 themes divided into driving forces (4) and restraining forces (2). The findings revealed driving forces that directly motivated the students to pursue SLP as their undergraduate program. Firstly, family members were shown to play a vital role in encouraging the students. In addition, they also considered their future career and their skills related to SLP when choosing the program. Furthermore, their personal experience and desire to help others motivated them to pursue their program. On the other hand, findings showed restraining forces that may have potentially hindered the students from choosing the program. First, a wide variety of undergraduate programs were considered by the students prior to SLP. Second, having a generally limited understanding of the profession before choosing BSSLP. Utilizing various strategies based on the identified factors may be strengthened or improved by the stakeholders. This is to possibly improve the public awareness and knowledge of SLP and further improve the number of applicants and graduates. Thus, the number of practicing SLPs in the country will eventually increase, and they will cater to Filipinos with communication and swallowing needs.

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