P-12 A study on the relationship between GRE Scores of Pre-Physical Therapy Students and National Physical Therapy Examination Scores: A Retrospective Study of One Midwestern Physical Therapy Program

P-12 A study on the relationship between GRE Scores of Pre-Physical Therapy Students and National Physical Therapy Examination Scores: A Retrospective Study of One Midwestern Physical Therapy Program

Buller Hallway

Background: This study explored relationships between Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) scores. Methodology: This is a retrospective correlational design utilizing a purposive sample (n = 102) of Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students from three consecutive cohorts. Correlations were examined between GRE Verbal (GREV), GRE Quantitative (GREQ), and GRE Total (GRET) scores with the NPTE pass rate utilizing a Spearman rho correlation coefficient. Discriminant analysis was used to calculate the cut-off score that would correlate with a passing score of 600 on the NPTE. Results: The results showed a weak, but significant correlation between GREV and NPTE scores (r = .454, p < .001), GREQ and NPTE scores (r = .420, p < .001) and GRET and NPTE scores (r = .484. p < .001). Discriminant analysis revealed cut-off scores for GREV (450), GREQ (540), and GRET (980). Conclusion: The cut-off score results from this study reflect an acceptable pass rate according to the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) Programs and the program goals for this institution. The significant correlations may be considered by the faculty of this DPT program when admitting students.