Table 3 Categories and sub-categories

Experiences of transition from basic to higher education

Transition to independence

Transition to demanding schedule

Adapting to theory demands

Adapting to clinical demands

Adapting to social systems

Balancing clinical and theoretical demands

Coping with transition from basic to higher education

Adaptative coping

Appraisal-focused coping

Emotion-focused coping

Problem-focused coping

Social coping (peers)

Seeking help from mentors

Recommendations for coping with transition from basic to higher education

Academic support

Informational support (orientation)

Psychological support

Support from mentors

External support (program planning and structure)

Opportunities to improve communication

Opportunities to release stress