Mountain Province State University (MPSU) Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Graduate Tracer Survey Uncovering Trends in Employment and Education Relevance
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64397/nepj.v01i02.2025.a15Keywords:
tracer study, nursing graduates, licensure performance, employability, postgraduate educationAbstract
Introduction: This tracer study examined the licensure performance, employment outcomes, job relevance, and postgraduate engagement of Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates of Mountain Province State University (MPSU) from 2008 to 2024.
Aim: Anchored on Employability Theory, the study aimed to determine how effectively the nursing program prepared graduates for professional practice and career development.
Methods: Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected through a validated researcher-made questionnaire administered to randomly selected graduates across three curriculum groups: CMO 30 (2008–2016), CMO 14 (2017–2021), and CMO 15 (2022–2024). Reliability testing yielded a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.785, indicating acceptable internal consistency.
Results: Findings showed a consistently high proportion of respondents who reported passing the Nursing Licensure Examination (NLE), with an overall respondent-based licensure rate of 96% that increased across curriculum groups (CMO 30: 94.9%; CMO 14: 96.8%; CMO 15: 98.3%). Employment outcomes revealed that 86.6% of graduates were currently employed, though recent graduates under CMO 15 exhibited lower employment rates and a higher proportion of those never employed. Job relevance remained high at 90.7%, yet CMO 15 showed the most notable decline. A strong shift toward local employment was observed, with 97.9% of the newest graduates working within the Philippines. Postgraduate engagement was low, with only 23.1% pursuing master’s studies and 1.2% enrolling in doctoral programs, primarily among CMO 30 graduates.
Conclusion: The study concludes that the MPSU nursing program continues to produce competent graduates with strong licensure and employment outcomes, though emerging challenges among the newest graduates warrant timely institutional response. Results highlight the importance of ongoing curriculum review, strengthened school-to-work transition support, and expanded access to graduate nursing education. Establishing a Master of Arts or Master of Science in Nursing program at MPSU is recommended to promote lifelong learning and career advancement.
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