Factors influencing the decision to return to graduate school for professional students

The purpose of this study was to describe factors influencing the decision to return to graduate school for a group of professional students. A causal model was proposed that included five variable sets: background characteristics, college characteristics, college experiences, work experiences, and attitudes toward graduate study. The sample was composed of 217 physical therapists who responded to a 1988 statewide survey on graduate education. The longstanding articulation of graduate education and vocational interests was confirmed. The overwhelming influence in this group was the desire to advance in clinical/technical skills. Career conditions of specialization and income further influenced the educational decision. Less influence was seen from the college experience. Cost factors that have been found to be predominant in many groups did not influence the decision.