Understanding the Influence and Difficulties of Non-Stem Track on College Students’

Medical Career Trajectories in SJDFI

A Qualitative Research Proposal

Presented by:

Group 4

Bautista, Joey Jose N.

Fuentes, Francine Liance

Gacelos, Leslie Lorence A.

Igano, Andrei R.

Macanas, Jumairah Kish T.

Parilla, Kyle Vincent I.

Perez, Raylene Anne F.

Tejada, Ma. Regina C.

Accountancy, Business and Management (ABM) 11- BGN

San Juan De Dios Educational Foundation, Inc.

 Chapter 1

Introduction:

A crucial turning point in a person's academic journey is the transition from senior high

school (SHS) to higher education, particularly for those who are committed to pursue higher-

level careers in different industries. As a result of the K–12 curriculum, DepED offers a variety

of SHS tracks with distinct specializations that concentrate on individual’s desired paths,

allowing students to master their potential and skills before proceeding on to a higher level

within the additional years of specialized academic training. However, the direct correlation

between these tracks and unaligned career choices remains largely unexplored. Understanding

how these different tracks influence individuals' paths and affect their overall decision-making to

pursue careers in the various professions is significant.

This qualitative study aims to investigate the complicated relationship that exists between

the divergent SHS tracks and pursuing such a medical career at San Juan De Dios Educational

Foundation, Inc. (SJDEFI) primarily for college students. This study aims to explain the diverse

experiences, perceptions, and decision-making processes of students as they navigate their path

towards a medical career, regardless of what tracks they've taken since then, using qualitative

research techniques including concept analysis, narrative inquiry, and thorough interviews.

In Memorandum Order no. 105 series of 2017 and with pertinent provisions of Republic

Act. No. 7722, otherwise known as the "Higher Education Act of 1994" and by virtue of

Commission en banc Resolution No. 944- 2017 December 18, 2017 state that all Grade 12
graduates beginning Academic 2017-2018 and up to current year are eligible to enter college

regardless of the track or strand taken in the Senior High School and no Grade 12 student or

graduate shall be denied acceptance in applying for college entrance examinations in the higher

education institutions (HEIs).

There is a clear knowledge vacuum regarding how students' decisions to pursue particular

fields are impacted by the alignment or misalignment between high school academic strands and

career paths, even with the abundance of literature on the factors influencing students' career

choices and aspirations. This is especially visible when it comes to medical careers. There is

minimum research explicitly looking at how high school academic tracks shape students'

aspirations for careers in medicine, despite the fact that earlier studies have examined the impact

of numerous factors, including family dynamics, societal expectations, and personal motivations,

on career choices. Furthermore, previous research has largely ignored the possible influence of

educational policies and guidance programs on students' career trajectories in favor of

concentrating on individual-level variables like personal preferences and self-efficacy beliefs. In

order to inform the development of more effectual career guidance programs and educational

policies aimed at encouraging alignment between educational pathways and career goals, more

research is therefore needed to inspect the connections between high school academic tracks and

medical career inclination, taking into account both individual and methodical factors.

Ultimately, the findings of this study can inform educational policies, curriculum

development, and career guidance strategies to better support individuals in their journey

towards fulfilling and successful medical careers.

Background of the study:

One of the greatest defining moments for the students is being able to determine whether

the tracks they have taken in senior high school (SHS) will help them follow their professions

that correspond to and incorporate herein, or if they will pursue unaligned ones despite the

challenges that lie ahead.

Through observations and initial inquiries, it has become apparent that students often face

challenges when aligning their chosen SHS tracks with their desired career paths. Many students

struggle with decisions regarding which SHS track to pursue, often lacking a clear understanding

of how their choice may impact their entire future career aspirations, particularly in fields such as

medicine. The lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the correlation between SHS

tracks and career choices presents significant challenges for students, educators, and

policymakers alike. This gap in knowledge restrains effective career guidance and may

contribute to mismatches between students' educational backgrounds and their chosen

professions.

Furthermore, within the context of San Juan De Dios Educational Foundation, Inc.

(SJDEFI), where medical education is a primary focus, understanding how students navigate

their paths towards a medical career despite the diversity of SHS tracks they have taken is

significant. Overall, there is a pressing need to explore the complex relationship between SHS

tracks and career choices, particularly in the context of pursuing a medical career at SJDEFI.

Qualitative research techniques, including concept analysis, narrative inquiry, and thorough
interviews, offer valuable insights into students' experiences, perceptions, and decision-making

processes.

Statement of the Problem:

This study aims to gather and examine data on the influences and difficulties of Non-

STEM Students on College Students' Medical Career. The researchers want to find answers to

these following questions:

1.) How do different Non-STEM tracks shape college students' perceptions, experiences, and

decision-making processes regarding pursuing a medical career?

2.) What are the challenges and opportunities associated with those unaligned SHS tracks in

preparing for medical education and careers?

3.) Did the tracks of current students in the medical field provide enough knowledge and skills,

regardless of what tracks they've taken?

4.) How do individuals in the medical field perceive the alignment between the SHS strands they

selected during their formative years and the demands and requirements of their chosen career?

Chapter 2

Review of Related Literature:

I. Effect of High School Academic Strands on Career Choices

1. The alignment between senior high school strands and college courses significantly

influences students' career choices and academic outcomes, with many students deviating from

recommended paths despite guidance efforts.

 2. Factors such as academic influence, family and peer influence, personal factors, and job

opportunities play pivotal roles in students' decisions to pursue college education, impacting their

academic performance and adaptation to college life.

3. Misalignment between high school tracks and college courses can lead to

underemployment and dissatisfaction among graduates, highlighting the need for comprehensive

career guidance programs and interventions to better align educational paths with career

aspirations and address workforce needs.

The alignment between senior high school strands and college courses plays an important

role in shaping students' career choices and academic outcomes. Several studies have explored

this relationship, providing insights into various factors influencing students' decisions and the

consequences of misalignment between them. This related literature review aims to gather

evidence from multiple sources to enhance our understanding of the influence of senior high

school tracks on career choices.

Research published by (CiiT International Journal of Data Mining and Knowledge

Engineering, 2020) [1] suggests that the introduction of the K to 12 curriculum in the Philippine

education system emphasized the importance of preparing students for tertiary education. In

senior high school, the curriculum includes a variety of strands and strands that allow students to

align their academic objectives with their desired careers. However, research shows a notable

difference between the high school strand and the college course that students picked. Factors

such as academic influence, family and peers influence, personal factors and job opportunities

were identified through factor analysis which plays a pivotal role for the students to join the

college[2]. Many students continue to stray from the recommended path despite efforts to guide
them based on aptitude and skills tests, which causes difficulties with academic performance and

adapting to college life.

Vertical alignment theory suggests that a coherent progression of learning experiences

across educational levels enhances students' learning outcomes (Alipio M. M. 2020)[3]. This

development is disrupted when high school strands and college courses are misaligned, which

affects the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective aspects of learning for students. Additionally,

the theory of academic elitism emphasizes how a student's academic background and prior

knowledge influence their ability to succeed in college. Students with the ability to manage

heavy academic workloads tend to choose a career path that would lead to a career demanding

long years of education. Meanwhile, students who lack sufficient intellectual aptitude may be

more suitable for career fields requiring less extensive and challenging academic work [4].

According to (Gonzales E. T., Digo G. S. 2024)[5], the Empirical evidence supports the

notion that students' choice of high school track influences their academic adjustment and

performance in college. Student results are greatly influenced by the relationship between

academic adjustment and senior high school strands, with certain factors being more beneficial to

academic success than others. Environmental, opportunity, and personality factors also have a

significant impact on how students feel about the courses they have chosen to study and how

they prefer to approach them. By recognizing these factors, strategies can be successfully

planned to match students' interests and skills with their chosen college course.

The consequences of misalignment between high school tracks and college courses

extend beyond academic performance to affect students' long-term career prospects and job

satisfaction. The lack of alignment may lead to underemployment and dissatisfaction among
graduates, contributing to broader societal issues such as unemployment rates and workforce

mismatches (Quintos C. A. et al. 2020)[1].

Addressing this challenge requires comprehensive career guidance programs and

interventions that consider both individual preferences and market demands.

In conclusion, the influence of senior high school strands on students' choice in college

courses is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including personal preferences,

academic preparation, and societal expectations. In order to promote academic success and meet

workforce needs, it is important to recognize the importance of matching educational paths with

career aspirations. Further research and policy initiatives are needed to improve the effectiveness

of career guidance programs and ensure better alignment between senior high school and college

courses.

II. Factors Influencing Medical Career Aspirations

1. Various factors, including personal motives, societal expectations, and knowledge

accessibility, influence the decision to pursue a career in medicine.

2. Family dynamics, personal interests, and career opportunities play significant roles in

students' decisions to pursue medicine.

3. Attitude, career self-efficacy, and social support are important predictors of students'

intention to pursue medicine, highlighting the importance of fostering supportive environments

and enhancing self-efficacy beliefs.

 The decision to pursue a career in medicine is influenced by many factors, from personal

motives to societal expectations. Understanding these factors is important for educators and

policy makers when shaping medical education and recruitment strategies. Additionally,

Kusurkar et al. highlights the critical role of knowledge accessibility and social support in

shaping medical career aspirations[1].Their findings underscore the significance of informed

decision-making among prospective medical students. This literature review examines several

studies to clarify the various factors that influence students' motivation to pursue a career in

medicine.

One of the main findings is the importance of early exposure and dissemination of

information related to the medical professions. Many potential applicants lack comprehensive

knowledge about the medical profession and the pathways to medical school, particularly

students without access to knowledgeable support at home or in school [2]. Therefore, steps to

provide accessible information, opportunities for professional experience, and personal

interactions with medical professionals are needed to expand participation in medical education.

Moreover, Goel et al. delve into the motivational factors underlying students' decisions to

pursue medicine[3]. The study conducted in Ligao City Division expands our understanding of

career influences among graduating senior high school students. Family dynamics, personal

interests, career opportunities, and educational factors emerge as significant determinants of

career choices. Family influence, in particular, plays a pivotal role, with 90% of respondents

citing familial factors as influential. Personal interest, comprising intelligence, ambition, and

skills, also shapes career aspirations for 77% of respondents[4]. Attitude, career self-efficacy

(CSE), and social influence emerge as significant predictors of students' intention to pursue

medicine [5]. The desire to serve society and attain a prestigious social status emerge as
predominant themes among aspiring medical students [6]. These findings resonate with previous

research, emphasizing the interplay of familial expectations and societal perceptions in career

decision-making.

Furthermore, students' intrinsic motivations and perceptions of their capabilities

significantly impact their career aspirations [5]. Factors such as career self-efficacy, attitude

toward medicine, and social support from peers and teachers contribute to students' intentions to

pursue a medical career [5]. Class participations and orientations are emphasized as potential

opportunities to improve students' professional self-efficacy and attitudes toward medicine.

In summary, the decision to pursue a career in medicine is influenced by a combination

of personal, familial, psychological, and societal factors. Early exposure, providing accessible

information, fostering supportive environments, self-efficacy beliefs, and social support all play

crucial roles in shaping students' aspirations toward medical professions

III. Non-STEM Students’ Transition to STEM-Related College Courses

1.The transition from non-STEM to STEM fields among students is primarily motivated

by employment opportunities and financial considerations.

2. Societal gender roles often steer men towards STEM fields and women towards artistic

fields when making career choices.

3. Targeted interventions, such as enhanced career counseling programs and integrated

career planning, are crucial for aligning students’ career paths with their secondary fields of

study and empowering them to make informed decisions.

 Choosing a career is an important decision in a person’s life and is influenced by many

factors and considerations. Recently, the transition from non-STEM fields (science, technology,

engineering and mathematics) to STEM fields has become a focus of interest among students,

with employment opportunities proving to be the main driver of this change [12]. This study

delves into the complexities involved in career choice, particularly the impact of high school

majors on medical student trajectories, and highlights the multifaceted nature of career decision-

making.

Financial considerations play an important role in students’ career decisions, as earning

potential, benefits, and long-term security greatly influence their choices [13]. In today’s

economic landscape, marked by a lack of jobs despite traditional education, students prioritize

financial stability and future prospects. In addition, social perceptions of gender roles influence

career choice, with men often drawn to scientific fields and women to artistic fields [14].

The study of factors that influence career changes among students, particularly with regard to

gender and career choices in high school, yields instructive results [15]. While male students

tend toward science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) majors, due to factors

such as school reputation, choice of high school majors appears to have little influence on

students’ decisions to change careers [16]. This suggests a broader pattern of influence that

extends beyond the confines of high school.

The study highlights the importance of targeted interventions to align students' career

paths with their secondary fields of study [12]. Strengthening career counseling programs in high

schools and colleges can empower students to make informed decisions and improve their

educational experiences [17]. Integrating career planning into curricular and improving
counseling services can provide students with the knowledge and support needed to effectively

navigate career transitions [18].

In conclusion, understanding the complexity of the career decision process is essential to

guiding students toward successful and fulfilling career paths. By recognizing the influence of

factors such as financial considerations and societal perceptions on gender roles, institutions can

design interventions to help students make informed choices in the race. Further research is

needed to study other factors that influence career decisions and to ensure that universities

provide comprehensive career planning to empower students socially, economically, and

professionally.

Chapter 3

Methodology:

A. Research Design

The researchers used a case-study method for conducting this qualitative research study.

It aims to understand how different tracks influence and affect individuals’ decisions to pursue

their chosen careers. Case study research involves explaining the cause-and-effect relationships

between variables, including the intervention’s context, process, and outcomes. A

phenomenological research design was also used to determine the meaning that college students

gave to their experiences. Specifically, the researchers analyzed participants’ observations,

interviews, and experiences of an SHS tracks in the field of medicine.

 B. Sampling

For the objective of gathering data, sampling techniques are methodical procedures used

to choose an appropriate proportion of individuals or objects from a wider population. By using

these techniques, researchers can ensure that the data they collect truly represents the

characteristics and perspectives of the intended audience, allowing for the meaningful insights

and significant findings.

Purposive Sampling:

Initially, purposive sampling will be utilized to identify and select as many as needed of students

from different medical career tracks within the college. The selection criteria will involve

targeting individuals who have pursued non-STEM strands during their Senior High School

(SHS). Survey papers will be distributed to these selected students to determine their former SHS

tracks and gather information on their career aspirations and educational backgrounds before

proceeding on to the next technique.

Convenience Sampling:

The convenience sampling will be used after non-STEM students have been identified to learn

more about their career choices, difficulties they encounter, and motivations. In order to

understand further about the identified students' decision-making process and the factors that,

despite their non-STEM background, influenced their decision to pursue of a medical career,

semi-structured interviews will be conducted with them. Furthermore, the interviews will aim to
understand the students' opinions on their preparedness, skills, and knowledge to excel in the

medical field regardless of their educational background.

Through the use of convenience and purposive sampling policies, this study aims to

gather a thorough understanding of the points of view and experiences of SJDEFI College non-

STEM students who pursue careers in medical professions.

C. Data Collection

The data collection will be gathered through convenience and purposive sampling

techniques to non-STEM students pursuing medical careers at SJDEFI. In purposive sampling,

survey papers will be used to identify non-STEM students based on their educational background

while semi-structured interviews will be used to acquire further details about the career choices

and experiences of the target individuals.

1. Purposive Sampling:

• Target Population: Non-STEM students at SJDEFI College.

• Sampling Procedure: Identify and select students from various Non-STEM tracks within

the college.

• Selection Criteria: Students who pursued non-STEM strands during their Senior High

School education.

• Data Collection: Distribute survey papers to selected students to gather information on

their former SHS tracks.

 • Data collected: Career aspirations, and educational backgrounds.

2. Convenience Sampling:

• Target Population: Non-STEM students identified in the purposive sampling phase.

• Sampling Procedure: Convenience sampling will be used to select participants for semi-

structured interviews.

• Data Collection: Conduct semi-structured interviews with selected students to delve

deeper into their career choices.

• Data collected: Difficulties they faced, motivations, decision-making processes, and

opinions on their preparedness for a medical career.

Data Collection Instruments:

• Survey Papers: Designed to collect demographic information, SHS track, career

aspirations, and educational background.

• Semi-Structured Interview Guide: Tailored questions to explore career choices,

motivations, challenges faced, and factors influencing decision-making.

D. Data Analysis
 The semi-structured interview data will be subjected to qualitative analysis in order to

reveal the diverse narratives and viewpoints of the participants concerning their experiences and

career decisions. In order to find recurrent themes and patterns in the transcripts of the

interviews, thematic analysis will be utilized. Key themes pertaining to motives, obstacles

encountered, decision-making procedures, and assessments of readiness for a medical career will

be found via an organized coding and classification process. The topics will be interpreted and

contextualized in order to offer a greater understanding of the variables affecting students’ career

paths.

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