Exploring the Visibility of Mission, Vision, and Values in Allied Healthcare Education

Introduction: This study investigated the visibility and accessibility of mission, vision, and values statements on websites of entry-level allied health care programs (occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology). The primary objective was to determine the ease of locating these statements on program websites and how their visibility varies by program characteristics. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 300 randomly selected accredited programs (100 per profession) across the United States. Each program’s website was evaluated to determine the visibility and accessibility of its mission, vision, and values statements, defined by their presence within two clicks of the homepage. Data were collected using a standardized form and analyzed using Fisher’s exact test and Cramer’s V to assess associations between visibility and program characteristics, including program type, institutional affiliation, region, and delivery modality. Results: Findings revealed significant variability in statement visibility. Mission statements were most frequently located, followed by vision, and then values statements. Significant differences in mission statement visibility were observed between program types and between public and private institutions. Regional differences in vision statement visibility were significant only for speech-language pathology programs. Discussion: Mission, vision, and values statements are crucial for communicating program identity and purpose to stakeholders, including prospective students, faculty, and the broader community. This study highlighted the need for improved transparency and accessibility of these core principles within allied health education. Findings may inform program website design, accreditation standards, and stakeholder engagement strategies, ultimately enhancing student experience and professional preparation in the health care workforce.