Monitoring Employment Trends: Itʼs a Programʼs Responsiblity

Abstract

Introduction: PA programs should analyze the employment trends of their new graduates since recent studies indicate the availability of jobs may be decreasing. We conducted a study of our 1999 graduates to help us better understand the local, regional, and national job market from their perspective, and to compare this with national data to determine how we might improve employment opportunities for our students. Method: A questionnaire was sent to 44 new graduates and calls made to unemployed graduates at monthly intervals to update their job status. Results: On average, students began work within 15 weeks of graduation. Sixty-three percent obtained employment within North Carolina or Virginia and began employment an average of 30 days sooner than their classmates who sought employment outside the region. The best job leads came from close associates such as fellow PA students, friends, family, former employers, and alumni. On average, respondents applied for 16 positions, interviewed for four and were offered two jobs by potential employers. Once employed, the majority reported being satisfied with the locale, specialty, salary and benefits, working environment, and opportunity for professional growth of their new jobs. Discussion: Programs should standardize their methods of collecting employment trend data and share this information with the APAP and AAPA. By doing so, programs could compare their effectiveness in helping students find employment with that of other programs regionally and nationally.