Competency-Based Admissions in Health Education: A Systematic Review

• In Event: Reconsidering Diversity in Admissions: Strength-Based Approaches in a Post-Affirmative Action World

Abstract

Health education admissions practices are constantly evolving with the most recent shift transitioning these practices to a competency-based or holistic approach. With this shift, there are opportunities to develop admissions practices that evaluate and select applicants who are well prepared to pursue degrees in various health fields. Therefore, the present review sought to gather information about competency-based and holistic admissions within health education to better understand current practices and offer recommendations to the health education field. Results suggest there is large variation in how programs are implementing competency-based and holistic admissions, with little to no consensus on how programs define and evaluate desired competencies. However, regardless of this variation, similar themes that could support future admission practices are present.

Authors

• Morgan A. Jernigan, Washington State University

• Kira J. Carbonneau, Washington State University