Educational Lifecycle: Transitioning from Undergraduate to Graduate-Level Expectations

Authors

Khalil A. Mrabe, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, Miami CampusFollow
Rosie Defeo, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, Miami CampusFollow
Arlenys Loffredo, University of Saint Augustine for Health SciencesFollow

Abstract

The World Health Assembly has recognized the current and future place of education, training, and development within their 2030 global strategy. While education in allied health professions continues to evolve, limited information is known about the challenges graduate students face when transitioning into these programs. In response to recent societal and educational shifts, a systematic review was conducted to explore the academic, psychological, social, and professional barriers affecting first-term allied health students. Utilizing the SPIDER framework along with searching across different platforms (Psychinfo, Web of Science, and ProQuest) to locate peer-reviewed studies published within the last five years. Forty-seven studies were screened and appraised using a three-step consensus process. Thematic analysis revealed challenges to graduate school workload, self-efficacy, and identity development. Informal observations by current faculty served to support these findings. While targeted supports may ease the graduate transition, further evaluative research is required to determine how academic institutions can best promote student success in allied health education.

Author Bio(s)

Khalil A. Mrabe, OTD, M.Ed., CLT, is an Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in Miami, FL. He is also a certified lymphedema therapist in the state of Florida.

Rosie Defeo, PT, DPT, EdD, is an Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in Miami, FL. She is also a ABPTS Board Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist RESNA Assistive Technology Professional in the state of Florida.

Arlenys Loffredo, MS, OTD, OTR/L, is an Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in Miami, FL. She is also a pediatric and mental health professional in the state of Florida.

Recommended Citation

Mrabe KA, Defeo R, Loffredo A. Educational Lifecycle: Transitioning from Undergraduate to Graduate-Level Expectations. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2025 Aug 08;23(4), Article 7.