Entry Pathway and Student Success in a Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

In a time of declining applications in health professions programs, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs are challenged to identify students who will be successful in the DPT program and on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). The purpose of this study was to directly compare success between early assurance (EA) and post-baccalaureate (PB) students across three variables: grade point average (GPA), graduation rate, and NPTE success.

Student data from the graduating classes of 2017-19 from the University of the Sciences/Saint Joseph's University were included in this study (n = 216; EA = 128, PB = 88).

Data variables included entry pathway, first (P1) and third (P3) professional year GPA, graduation status, first-time NPTE pass status (NPTE-1) and ultimate NPTE pass status (NPTE-U), and NPTE scores (highest of all reported scores if taken more than once). Independent t-test was performed to examine the difference between EA and PB with respect to P1 and P3 GPA. Chi-square test was performed to examine the differences in rates of graduation, and NPTE-1 and NPTE-U pass rate. Stepwise regression models were performed to predict NPTE-1 and NPTE-U scores. All significance levels were set at p = 0.05.

Data show that PB students earned a higher P1 and P3 GPA relative to their EA peers. EA students graduated at higher rates than PB students. There was no significant difference in NPTE-1 or NPTE-U passing rate between the groups. Regression analysis demonstrated P1 and P3 GPA as strong predictors of first and ultimate NPTE scores.

EA and PB students were each found to have strengths in the pro¬gram and do equally well on the NPTE. The EA pathway appears to be a viable alternative to the traditional PB admission route.