A Systematic Review of Variables Used in Physical Therapist Education Program Admissions Part 1: Cognitive Variables

Physical therapist (PT) education programs seek to identify applicants who will be academically successful in the program and pass the licensure examination. Part one of this systematic literature review aimed to understand the value of cognitive variables in PT education admissions.

The initial literature search identified 1,592 articles in databases and relevant journals. Of the 39 studies meeting the inclusion criteria, 31 reported on cognitive measures.

Seven studies identified one or more sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) as significant predictors of students' academic performance in PT programs. Ten studies reported that one or more sections of the GRE predicted National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) performance, wheres 4 studies found no significant relationship. Undergraduate grade point average (GPA) predicted academic performance in the PT program and on the NPTE in more than 10 studies, whereas 4 found no significant relationship. Other components of the academic record, such as prerequisite course grades, undergraduate institution quality, undergraduate degree, and retaking prerequisite courses, had varying relationships with academic and NPTE performance.

These outcomes appear to inform the policies and processes for admissions into PT education programs, evidenced by customary use of applicants' GRE scores and GPAs in admission decisions. The inclusion of both cognitive measures in admission decisions may help ensure that admitted students successfully manage the academic rigor of doctoral education and pass the NPTE.