Evaluation of soft skills among students: case of nursing professions and health techniques

Evaluation of soft skills among students: case of nursing professions and health techniques Abstract Background: Soft skills have become essential to ensuring academic success and professional integration of health students. However, their development and evaluation remain largely unexplored in health training institutions. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the level of soft skills among students in nursing professions and health techniques as well as to analyze the factors that may influence these skills. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study with an analytical aim was conducted among 521 students from different fields and levels of study at the Higher Institute of nursing professions and health techniques in Agadir between April and May 2025, using a structured questionnaire that included a validated scale to assess students’ soft skills. Results: The average mean soft skills score was 18.15 ± 5.17 out of 30. The most developed skills were teamwork and creativity, while stress management and communication had the lowest scores. Additionally, statistical analysis revealed significant relationships between the level of soft skills and certain variables, such as academic level, type of accommodation, completion of internships, passing second exams, and soft skills training. Furthermore, there is the presence of a predictive model for the development of soft skills composed of age, type of accommodation, baccalaureate grade, passing second session, and soft skills training. Conclusions: The study revealed an overall moderate level of soft skills among the students, as well as a predictive model comprising several variables. These findings underscore the need to strengthen the role of these skills in healthcare education through innovative teaching methods and practical training tailored to the realities of professional practice. Keywords: assessment, health, non-technical skills, nursing, soft skills, students.