Artificial Intelligence and Admissions to Health Professions Educational Programs: A Scoping Review

The use of large language models (LLMs) and artificial intelligence (AI) tools to prepare health professions admissions applications is increasing. These tools can improve writing significantly but raise ethical concerns about application authenticity.

This scoping review explored the literature on use of AI by applicants applying to health professions programs and by admission reviewers.

Following Joanna Briggs Institute and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines, a search was conducted in multiple databases, which identified 1706 citations. After screening, 18 articles were included.

Articles included in the review focused on the (1) use of AI to screen applicants or predict ranking and interview invitations, (2) ethical implications of AI-generated personal statements, (3) potential to detect AI-generated applications, and (4) use of AI to write or analyze letters of reference.

AI tools can enhance the efficiency of the admissions review process, but clear guidelines are required to address ethical issues. Further research is needed, particularly in nursing education.