Career trajectories and professional development of nurses in graduate programs: A descriptive survey

Rica Rose May Rubio; Wafia Sajili; Rubelle Marshah Alavar; Sarah Jane Demayo; Shirley Nolledo; Jocelyn Orquia; Aracelie Araneta

doi:10.31893/multiscience.2025479

Keywords:

graduate employability

career advancement

nursing education prgrams

tracer study

Philippines

Abstract

Background: This study investigates the career trajectories and professional development of graduates from the Master of Arts in Nursing (MAN) and Master of Nursing (MN) programs at a University in Zamboanga City, Philippines from 2015 to 2023. Methods: A descriptive-survey method was used, with data collected through an online questionnaire, resulting in a 42.06% response rate. The survey gathered information on demographics, employment status, job placement, career advancement, and professional development. Results: The majority of respondents were female (62.2%), predominantly employed in government hospitals (50%) and academic institutions (35.7%). A significant proportion held regular positions (83.3%) and experienced career advancement. Over half of the respondents (52.4%) received promotions after earning their master’s degree, and many reported enhanced professional skills and significant roles within their organizations. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate the positive impact of the university’s MAN and MN programs on graduates' career development. Recommendations for program improvement include incorporating innovative teaching methods, enhancing research capabilities, upgrading facilities, and expanding library resources. These measures aim to elevate the program's quality to better prepare graduates for advanced professional roles, offering valuable insights for the University’s nursing programs and contributing to the broader understanding of graduate education's role in career advancement and the nursing profession.
References
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19. Kalaw, M.T. (2019). Tracer study of bachelor of science in mathematics. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education, 8(3), 537-548. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1232301.pdf
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23. Magnaye, B.P. & Pring, C.C. (2024). Productivity in the workplace of the master of arts in nursing graduates: A graduate tracer study. Asia Pacific Journal of Management and Sustainable Development, 12(1), 101-107. https://research.lpubatangas.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/10.-APJMSD-2024-25.pdf
24. Ngozi, A. L. (2024). Comparative analysis of work-life of nurses in private and public hospitals in Makurdi, Nigeria. The Malaysian Journal of Nursing (MJN), 16(1), 189-201. https://doi.org/10.31674/mjn.2024.v16i01.019
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27. Pyne, J., & Grodsky, E. (2020). Inequality and opportunity in a perfect storm of graduate student debt. Sociology of Education, 93(1), 20–39. https://doi.org/10.1177/0038040719876245
28. Radar, D. (11 September 2024). 6 Reasons Higher Education Is Important for Nurses. Psychreg. https://www.psychreg.org/reasons-higher-education-important-nurses/
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34. Stiwne, E. E., & Alves, M. G. (2010). Higher education and employability of graduates: Will Bologna make a difference? European Educational Research Journal, 9(1), 32-44. https://doi.org/10.2304/eerj.2010.9.1.32
35. Tomas, M.A.S. (2023). Tracer Study of the Nursing Graduates: Basis for Improvement of Curriculum and Instruction. European Journal of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, 1(5), 1473-1482. https://doi.org/10.59324/ejtas.2023.1(5).127
36. Toquero, C.M. & Ulanday, D.M. (2021). University graduates’ assessment of the relevance of the curriculum to the labor market in the Philippines. https://doi.org/10.5296/ire.v9i1.17421
37. Tutor, M.V., Orbet, A.C. Jr., & Miraflor, J.M.B (2019). The 4th Philippine Graduate Tracer Study: Examining Higher Education as Pathway to Employment, Citizenship, and Life Satisfaction from the Learner’s Perspective. https://pidswebs.pids.gov.ph/CDN/PUBLICATIONS/pidsdps1926.pdf
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

How to cite

Rubio, R. R. M., Sajili, W., Alavar, R. M., Demayo, S. J., Nolledo, S., Orquia, J., & Araneta, A. (2025). Career trajectories and professional development of nurses in graduate programs: A descriptive survey. Multidisciplinary Science Journal, (| Accepted Articles). https://doi.org/10.31893/multiscience.2025479

[1] Agatep, J.L.E. & Villalobos, R.N. (2020). Capabilities among graduate school students in Philippines. Science Insights Education Frontiers, 6(2), 691-705. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1305840.pdf

[2] Albina, A. C. and Sumagaysay, L.P. (2020). Employability tracer study of Information Technology Education graduates from a state university in the Philippines. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2020.100055

[3] Andrin, G. R., Miñoza, K. L., & Salinas, J. A. (2022). Tracer study of St. Paul University graduate school and professional studies for the academic year 2015-2021. European Scholar Journal, 3(4), 129-150. file:///C:/Users/user/Downloads/2144-Article%20Text-4067-1-10-20220503.pdf

[4] Austria, J. S. (2023). Tracer study of the nursing graduates in a state college. International Journal of Multidisciplinary: Applied Business and Education Research, 4(9), 3318 – 3328. https://doi.org/10.11594/ijmaber.04.09.20

[5] Baum, S., & Steele, P. (2017). Who goes to Graduate School and Succeeds? Urban Institute. https://www.urban.org/sites/default/files/publication/86981/who_goes_to_graduate_school_and_who_succeeds_1.pdf

[6] Becker, S.G. (1964). Human capital: A theoretical and empirical analysis. Journal of Political Economy, 70(5): 9-42. https://www.nber.org/system/files/chapters/c3730/c3730.pdf

[7] Benner P. (1982). From novice to expert. The American journal of nursing, 82(3), 402–407. https://journals.lww.com/ajnonline/citation/1982/82030/from_novice_to_expert.4.aspx

[8] Board Resolution No. 53. Western Mindanao State University (1983).

[9] Brosola, D.B. (2020). A Tracer Study of Bachelor of Science in Nursing Graduates at National University. https://national-u.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/A-Tracer-Study.pdf. Accessed on December 20, 2023.

[10] Cagasan, E.G., Dargantes, T.M., Florentino, N.N., & Lasquites, H.S. (2017). Tracer study of the graduate degree programs of Visayas State University. Science and Humanities Journal, 11, 17-39. https://scienceandhumanitiesjournal.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Vol11_A2_2.pdf

[11] Cavite, F. A., Calungsod, P. L., & De los Santos, J. A. (2023). Feasibility of offering MS Nursing Program at Visayas State University. The Malaysian Journal of Nursing (MJN), 14(3), 34-45. https://doi.org/10.31674/mjn.2023.v14i03.005

[12] Commission on Higher Education. (2012). Policy-Standard to Enhance Quality Assurance (QA) in Philippine Higher Education through an Outcomes-Based and Typology-Based QA (CMO No. 46). https://ched.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/CMO-No.46-s2012.pdf. Accessed on December 18, 2023.

[13] Commission on Higher Education. (2019). Policies, Standards and Guidelines for Graduate Programs (CMO No. 15). https://ched.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/CMO-No.-15-Series-of-2019-–-Policies-Standards-and-Guidelines-for-Graduate-Programs-Updated.pdf. Accessed on December 18, 2023.

[14] Commission on Higher Education. (2023). Policies and Guidelines for the Grant of Autonomous and Deregulated Status to Private Higher Education Institutions (CMO No. 6). https://ched.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/CMO-No.-06-S.-2023.pdf. Accessed on December 18, 2023.

[15] Cuadra, L.J., Aure, M.R.K.L., & Gonzaga, G.L. (2019). The use of tracer study in improving undergraduate programs in the university. Asia Pacific Higher Education Research Journal, 6(1), 13-25. https://po.pnuresearchportal.org/ejournal/index.php/apherj/article/view/1315

[16] Dela Cruz, J. L. & Dela Cruz, T. L. (2023). Employment and employability skills of graduate school graduates in Tagudin campus. International Journal of Multidisciplinary: Applied Business and Education Research, 4(4), 1129 – 1136. https://doi.org/10.11594/ijmaber.04.04.10

[17] Dzomeku, V.M., Amponsah, A.K., Boateng, E.A., Antwi, J., Amooba, P.A., Gracious, P.D., Armah, J., Bam, V. (2024). Tracer study to assess the employability of graduates and quality of a nursing program: A descriptive cross-sectional survey. International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences, 20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijans.2024.100673

[18] Fajardo-Atian, D. (2020). Institutional study on employability and scope of nursing graduates with master of arts degree in Philippines. International Journal of Educational Sciences, 31(1-3), 42-49. http://krepublishers.com/02-Journals/IJES/IJES-31-0-000-20-Web/IJES-31-1-3-000-20-Abst-PDF/IJES-31-1-3-043-20-1153-Fajardo-AD/IJES-31-1-3-043-20-1153-Fajardo-AD-Ab.pdf

[19] Kalaw, M.T. (2019). Tracer study of bachelor of science in mathematics. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education, 8(3), 537-548. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1232301.pdf

[20] Kiiza, S., Egesah, O., & Enyipu, B. (2020). Methodological experiences and important graduate tracer study results for quality enhancement at Uganda Christian university. African Multidisciplinary Journal of Research. https://journals.spu.ac.ke/index.php/amjr/article/view/74/69

[21] Lesmini, A. (2021). Senior Project Officer – Corporate Communication at ACER Indonesia. https://www.acer.org/gb/discover/article/tracer-study-building-employability-for-future-generation. Accessed on December 20, 2023.

[22] Llera-Nunez, S.L., Caelian, M.V., & Madrigal, D.V. (2022). A tracer study of public administration and governance and development management graduate programs of the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos. Philippine Social Science Journal, 5(3), 106-117. https://doi.org/10.52006/main.v5i3.556

[23] Magnaye, B.P. & Pring, C.C. (2024). Productivity in the workplace of the master of arts in nursing graduates: A graduate tracer study. Asia Pacific Journal of Management and Sustainable Development, 12(1), 101-107. https://research.lpubatangas.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/10.-APJMSD-2024-25.pdf

[24] Ngozi, A. L. (2024). Comparative analysis of work-life of nurses in private and public hospitals in Makurdi, Nigeria. The Malaysian Journal of Nursing (MJN), 16(1), 189-201. https://doi.org/10.31674/mjn.2024.v16i01.019

[25] Pender N, Murdaugh C, Parsons M. (2002). Health promotion in vulnerable populations. Health promotion in nursing practice. 4th ed. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall. https://sdh.gmu.ac.ir/Dorsapax/userfiles/file/HealthPromotioninNursingPracticebyNolaPender.pdf

[26] Plata I. (2020). Connecting with the graduates: an online employability graduate tracer study (o-egts) of Isabela state university. International Journal of Scientific & Technology Research, 9(3). https://www.ijstr.org/paper-references.php?ref=IJSTR-0320-33197

[27] Pyne, J., & Grodsky, E. (2020). Inequality and opportunity in a perfect storm of graduate student debt. Sociology of Education, 93(1), 20–39. https://doi.org/10.1177/0038040719876245

[28] Radar, D. (11 September 2024). 6 Reasons Higher Education Is Important for Nurses. Psychreg. https://www.psychreg.org/reasons-higher-education-important-nurses/

[29] Romadlon, F.N. & Arfin, M. (2021). Improving graduate profiles through tracer studies at university. Knowledge E. https://knepublishing.com/index.php/KnE-Social/article/view/9317/15601

[30] Ruchina, A.V. et.al. (2015). The Role of Research Work in the Training of Master Students Studying at Technical University. Procedia – Social and Behavioral Sciences, 215, 98-101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.11.580

[31] Sanchez, M.P.R. & Diamante, V.A.M. (2016). Employability of the nursing graduates. The Malaysian Journal of Nursing, 8(2), 30-35. Retrieved from https://ejournal.lucp.net/index.php/mjn/article/view/520

[32] Sanchez, J. M. P., Abella, R. C., Cadosales, M. N. Q., Olvido, M. M. J., & Boholano, H. B. (2023). Exploring the Professional Development Pathways of Graduates from the Master’s Programs in Education: Inputs for Curricular Enhancement. Jurnal Pendidikan Progresif, 13(2), 817-832. https://doi.org/10.23960/jpp.v13.i2.202351

[33] Sitepu, I.V. (2021). Experiences and results of the utilisation of tracer studies in the curriculum development in Indonesia. http://repository.uki.ac.id/id/eprint/1824. Accessed on December 20, 2023.

[34] Stiwne, E. E., & Alves, M. G. (2010). Higher education and employability of graduates: Will Bologna make a difference? European Educational Research Journal, 9(1), 32-44. https://doi.org/10.2304/eerj.2010.9.1.32

[35] Tomas, M.A.S. (2023). Tracer Study of the Nursing Graduates: Basis for Improvement of Curriculum and Instruction. European Journal of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, 1(5), 1473-1482. https://doi.org/10.59324/ejtas.2023.1(5).127

[36] Toquero, C.M. & Ulanday, D.M. (2021). University graduates’ assessment of the relevance of the curriculum to the labor market in the Philippines. https://doi.org/10.5296/ire.v9i1.17421

[37] Tutor, M.V., Orbet, A.C. Jr., & Miraflor, J.M.B (2019). The 4th Philippine Graduate Tracer Study: Examining Higher Education as Pathway to Employment, Citizenship, and Life Satisfaction from the Learner’s Perspective. https://pidswebs.pids.gov.ph/CDN/PUBLICATIONS/pidsdps1926.pdf

[38] World Health Organization (2020). State of the world’s nursing 2020: Investing in education, jobs and leadership. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240003279. Accessed on May 30, 2024.

Abstract

References

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