Use of a pretest strategy for physical therapist assistant programs to predict success rate on the national physical therapy exam.

This study investigated a pretest strategy that identified physical therapist assistant (PTA) students who were at risk of failure on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). Program assessment data from five cohorts of PTA students (2005-2009) were used to develop a stepwise multiple regression formula that predicted first-time NPTE licensure scores. Data used included the Nelson-Denny Reading Test, grades from eight core courses, grade point average upon admission to the program, and scores from three mock NPTE exams given during the program. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated between each of the 15 variables and NPTE scores. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed using data collected at the ends of the first, second, and third (final) semesters of the program. Data from the class of 2010 were then used to validate the formula. The end-of-program formula accounted for the greatest variance (57%) in predicted scores. Those students scoring below a predicted scaled score of 620 were identified to be at risk of failure of the licensure exam. These students were counseled, and a remedial plan was developed based on regression predictions prior to them sitting for the licensure exam.

Relationship of the Nelson Denny Reading Test to scores on the National Physical Therapy Licensure Examination.

This study examined the relationship between scaled scores of reading comprehension as measured by the Nelson Denny Reading Test and scaled scores on the National Physical Therapy Licensure Examination (NPTE). Sixty-seven graduate students from Arkansas State University participated in this study. The Nelson Denny Reading Test was given at the initiation of the physical therapy program, and the NPTE was taken after successful completion of the graduate program in physical therapy. A correlation analysis examined the scaled scores of these graduates from the Reading Test and the NPTE. Analysis revealed that a moderate positive relationship and statistically significant difference existed between scaled scores on the Reading Test and the NPTE for those graduates who passed the NPTE their first time.