The Great Recession (2007-2009), Motivation for Vocational Change: A Case Study Conducted at Washtenaw Community College, Ann Arbor, Michigan

This research study explored the effects of the Great Recession (2007-2009) on enrollment in three Nursing and Health Science programs at Washtenaw Community College. The purpose of the study was geared toward assessing whether the Great Recession was the primary motivating factor for students selecting academic training in Physical Therapy Assistant, Radiography, or Registered Nursing. To assess students’ motivation for enrolling in these particular programs, an on-line research survey was created. Data for this study were collected using an online survey that was a combination of qualitative and quantitative questions. The data for the survey were analyzed using ANOVA, descriptive statistics, and qualitative coding. The ANOVA analysis indicated no statistical significance for the Great Recession being a motivating factor in students’ decision for enrolling. Instead, the impact of the Great Recession appears to have influenced students’ decision for seeking future economic security, stable employment, opportunities for advancement, and being able to pursue additional educational training within their particular medical field at a four-year institution.