Implementing Holistic Admissions in Health Care Education
Abstract:
Holistic admissions practices were originally conceived by Harvard University in 1922 and rolled out by the Boston School of Medicine in 2003 to allow for considering a candidate’s qualifications beyond academic background (e.g., empathy, ethical decision-making). Holistic admissions have been extended successfully to other high-impact, health care career educational programs (e.g., nursing, dental school). The literature indicates holistic admissions can increase the diversity of admitted cohorts with no deleterious effects on student success, yet there is scarcity of its use in admissions to athletic training education programs (ATEPs). On June 29, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled race-conscious admission as unconstitutional and such a ruling may undermine program directors (PDs) of ATEPs considering use of holistic admissions practices, causing a reversion to traditional metrics (e.g., GRE scores, GPA, essay). If administered properly, holistic admissions can be objective, legally defensible and add value. Yet, implementing holistic admissions can be complicated by potential influences of artificial intelligence, test integrity, how to inform prospective candidates of the screening metrics and how to be mindful of racial bias during the admissions process. This lecture informs PDs why holistic admissions add value, the pros/cons of various holistic admissions practices, namely, acknowledging prior experience, essays/autobiographical narratives, multiple mini-interviews and situational judgment testing. Statistical practices for evaluating the efficacy of the holistic admission metrics will also be presented.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the benefits of holistic admissions practices in comparison to those used traditionally.
- Scrutinize the various holistic admissions practices for evaluating prospective students to health care education (e.g., pros/cons of application essays, interviews).
- Identify the legal ramifications and how to safeguard your admission practices.
Track: Program Administration
Format: Lecture
This Session is NOT Eligible for CEUs.
Robert Pettitt, PhD, ATC
Bob Pettitt was appointed as Dean for the School of Health Sciences at Salt Lake Community College in June 2021. He has consulted national and international sports programs along with law enforcement and military groups. He attained the rank of full professor at two different universities, is a former department chair, and a former director of research & sponsored projects. His research has been funded by organizations such as Force Science®, MOXY Monitors, and the NIKE Sport Research Lab.
He holds a PhD in Exercise and Sports Science from the University of Utah, is Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, and a certified member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and the National Strength & Conditioning Association. He has published over 90 peer-review articles, given over 100 presentations, and is author of two books: Exercise Physiology Laboratories (2009) and Critical Speed (2023).
Cher Knupp
Cher Knupp is Director of Health Sciences Admissions, Marketing and Outreach, working to drive the holistic admissions initiative for eight health care programs. Before Salt Lake Community College, she was a project coordinator for the School of Medicine Office of Admissions at the University of Utah where she played a key role in the development and implementation of holistic admissions. Over the past 13 years she has found a passion for providing equitable opportunity for students through holistic admissions and the impact it has on local health care communities.