Factors predicting applicant outcomes in occupational therapy education

Student selection for health science programs is a complex process designed to identify individuals who are most likely to succeed academically and professionally. There is limited evidence supporting specific admission criteria beyond the pre-admission GPA, and no strong evidence substantiating the need for specific academic prerequisites.

This study examined the predictive value of selected pre-admissions criteria relative to student outcomes in a master of occupational therapy program.

The study involved analysis of data for 129 students admitted to a new master in occupational therapy program.

Results show strong support for the pre-admission academic average as a selection criterion and limited support for referee ratings. No evidence was found linking pre-admission coursework to subsequent performance in courses of similar content.

Results provide evidence upon which to ground admissions decisions, and point to the need for further examination of the value of extensive pre-admission course requirements.