Factors Associated with Willingness of the First Year Students to Complete the Radiologic Technology Program

Abstract

Background: Early attrition among first-year Radiologic Technology students is a persistent concern, often influenced by a complex interplay of academic preparedness, career motivation, and psychosocial factors. Understanding the determinants of students’ willingness to complete the program is critical for informing targeted interventions that enhance retention, academic success, and professional commitment. Aims: This study aimed to assess the academic-related factors that influence first year students’ willingness to complete the Radiologic Technology program. Study Design:  This research utilized a cross-sectional and descriptive correlational design. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at a private tertiary educational institution in Iloilo City, Philippines, during the Academic Year 2025–2026. Methodology: A total of 237 first-year Radiologic Technology students were selected from a population of 616 students using stratified random sampling. Data were collected through an adopted and adapted questionnaire consisting of three sections: demographic profile, influencing factors (parental support, financial support, academic motivation, and peer influence), and willingness to complete the program. Responses were measured using a five-point Likert scale. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, and Spearman’s rho correlation to determine relationships between variables. Results: The findings showed that majority of the respondents came from STEM strands (64.6%), belonged to low-to-middle income families, and had satisfactory to very satisfactory academic performance. The overall factors influencing students showed a high level of manifestation (M = 3.85). Parental support had the highest mean (M = 4.01), followed by peer influence (M = 3.90), financial support (M = 3.74), and academic motivation (M = 3.74). The correlation analysis showed that all factors had significant positive relationships with willingness to complete the program (p < 0.001). Academic motivation showed the strongest correlation (rs = 0.649), followed by peer influence (rs = 0.552), parental support (rs = 0.526), and financial support (rs = 0.500). Additionally, STEM students demonstrated significantly higher willingness compared to non-STEM students. Conclusion: Academic motivation, peer influence, parental support, and financial support significantly influence students’ willingness to complete the Radiologic Technology program. These factors collectively strengthen students’ persistence and commitment toward completing their degree.