Predictors of Student Success in Physical Therapist Assistant Programs
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Authors
Causey, Kameron, M.
Issue Date
2024-01-08
Type
Dissertation
Language
en_US
Keywords
Medical sciences , Physical therapy , Dissertations, Academic--United States , Combination of grades , Physical therapy assistants , Academic achievement
Alternative Title
Abstract
The need for healthcare professionals continues to grow with the aging population. Allied health programs must identify qualified candidates in their competitive selection process to meet workforce demands. The competitive selection process aims to identify admission requirements to determine which students will be successful throughout the allied health curriculum. This explanatory sequential mixed methods study aimed to determine if a relationship exists between admission predictors and passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) on the inaugural attempt. Astin’s (1991) input- environment-output (I-E-O) was used as the framework for the study to determine the predictive validity of admission criteria, which includes the prerequisite grade point average (GPA), Anatomy and Physiology I & II final course grade, the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) overall score, as well as each sub-score (Reading, Math, Science, and English and Language usage). Discriminant analysis was used to determine significant predictor variables. The mean TEAS overall score and mean prerequisite GPA were significant predictors of passing the NPTE on the first attempt. The study's second phase utilized one-on-one interviews with a program graduate and an administrator to gain their perceptions regarding prerequisite predictors and program factors that increased the predictive validity of PTA student success. The themes detailed all aspects of the academic journey, including academic and personal preparedness, pedagogical support, cohort dynamics, and peer mentorship, with the outcome being examination and mastery of the material.
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This dissertation is protected by the Copyright Laws of the United States (Public Law 94-553, revised in 1976). Consistent with fair use as defined in the Copyright Laws, brief quotations from this material are allowed with proper acknowledgement. Use of the materials for financial gain with the author's expressed written permissions is not allowed.