A national survey of current admission practices in selected allied health educational programs

This study investigated the admission practices of selected allied health programs, specifically considering the priorities placed on cognitive and noncognitive factors. The extents to which diversity and a student's desire to work in underserved areas are considered in the selection process were also examined. Of 206 questionnaires mailed to accredited baccalaureate occupational therapy, physical therapy, health information management, and respiratory therapy programs, 144 were returned. The results indicate that allied health programs use combinations of cognitive and noncognitive factors in selecting students for admission. A higher priority is placed on overall grade-point average (GPA) and GPA in foundation courses, whereas lower priorities are placed on the need for diversity and a student's desire to work in underserved areas. The authors discuss the implications of the findings and urge the rethinking of the traditional selection method, which places applicants from ethnic/racial minority backgrounds at a disadvantage.