Predicting First-Time National Physical Therapy Examination Performance for Graduates of an Entry-Level Physical...

Area of Science:

• Physical Therapy Education
• Academic Performance Prediction
• Licensure Examination

Background:

• The National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) assesses entry-level physical therapist competence.
• Previous research identified applicant and student variables affecting NPTE performance.
• Few studies have combined these variables to predict NPTE outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• Develop and evaluate models to predict first-time NPTE scores.
• Predict NPTE pass/fail outcomes using academic variables.
• Provide a framework for physical therapy programs.

Main Methods:

• Utilized pre- and postadmission data from 185 physical therapist graduates.
• Employed multiple linear regression for NPTE score prediction.
• Used binary logistic regression for NPTE outcome prediction.

Main Results:

• A model combining undergraduate prerequisite GPA, in-program basic science GPA, and comprehensive exam scores explained 30.9% of NPTE score variance.
• This model accurately predicted NPTE outcomes (pass/fail) 81.1% of the time.

Conclusions:

• NPTE performance prediction is enhanced by combining applicant and student academic variables.
• Identified students at risk for NPTE struggles can receive targeted support.
• The study offers a practical framework for academic program interventions.