Pre-internship program effectiveness and its impact on clinical internship outcome

This study examined the effectiveness of the Pre-internship Program implemented by the College of Radiologic Technology at Calayan Educational Foundation, Inc., and its impact on the clinical internship performance of students from Batch 2017 and 2018. Since the program was halted during the pandemic, the researchers aimed to gather evidence that could support its revival and improvement for future cohorts. The primary objective was to determine whether pre-internship experiences significantly influenced student performance during Clinical Education I and II, and to propose actionable recommendations. A quantitative research design was employed, involving document review and an online survey of 22 graduates from the identified batches. Findings revealed that students achieved an average pre-internship score of 4.00, reflecting strong initial readiness. However, performance slightly declined during Clinical Education I (mean grade of 2.49) and Clinical Education II (mean grade of 2.59). Statistical analysis showed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.532, p = 0.011) between pre-internship scores and Clinical Education I grades, suggesting that pre-internship activities effectively enhanced early clinical competence. Nonetheless, sustaining performance throughout the internship requires further program refinement. The study underscores the importance of strengthening the Pre-internship Program to better prepare students for real-world challenges in clinical settings. While the program successfully builds foundational skills and confidence, additional support in areas such as time management and critical decision-making is essential. Enhancing these aspects will ensure students maintain consistent performance and adaptability during their entire clinical education journey.