Predictors of Success on the National Physical Therapy Examination in 2 US Accelerated-Hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy Programs

Abstract

Introduction: Although predictors of success have been reported within Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) education previously, accelerated-hybrid models of DPT education have not been included and may yield different results. The purpose of this study was to examine predictors of National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) performance within 2 US-accredited accelerated-hybrid DPT programs. Review of Literature: Current evidence examining predictors of NPTE success have included admissions data (undergraduate or prerequisite grade point average [GPA] and Graduate Record Examination [GRE]), DPT program GPA, noncognitive variables, and program variables. Although results of the relationship of these variables to NPTE success are inconsistent, DPT program GPA seemed to be the most consistent finding. Subjects: Student records from the 2019 and 2020 graduating classes of 2 accelerated-hybrid DPT programs (4 classes total, n = 355). Methods: Preadmission, noncognitive, within-program, and NPTE preparatory variables were assessed to determine their relationship with NPTE score. The association between each variable and NPTE score was assessed using bivariate correlations. The most parsimonious predictive model was determined using stepwise linear regression analysis. After determining the best predictive threshold for continuous level variables, odds ratios were calculated between each variable and passing the NPTE on the first attempt. Results: Statistically significant associations with NPTE score were noted with most preadmission, within-program, and NPTE preparatory variables; the strongest association was midpoint program GPA (r = 0.576, P < .05). The most parsimonious predictive model consisted of midpoint program GPA, first attempt passing Practice Exam & Assessment Tool (PEAT; dichotomous outcome, passing score ≥600), Scorebuilders Online Advantage examination score, and combined GRE percentage, which accounted for 52.6% of the variance in NPTE scores. The odds of passing NPTE on the first try were 14 times higher in individuals who passed the PEAT examination on the first try and 8 times higher in students with a midpoint GPA of at least 3.35. Discussion and Conclusion: Midpoint program GPA was the strongest predictor of NPTE score, followed by the PEAT and Online Advantage (2 NPTE preparatory variables). Combined GRE percentage was the only admissions variable contributing to the prediction of NPTE score. These findings are not different from previous research examining predictors of NPTE success in other DPT education models.