The Use of Preadmission Criteria To Predict Academic Success in a 4-Year Respiratory Care Curriculum

Abstract

A number of studies have attempted to use objective and subjective criteria for allied health program admission to predict successful completion. We wanted to determine whether the criteria used in our program are valid predictors of academic success, to confirm the model on which our criteria are based, and to illustrate how this model may assist programs in complying with accreditation requirements. METHOD & SUBJECTS: The subject population was all students admitted from Spring 1982 through Spring 1988 (n = 79). Correlations and a multiple regression were performed between preprofessional grade point average (PPGPA), science-math GPA (S-M GPA), academic and interview points, and the GPA upon program completion (Exit GPA). RESULTS: The correlation between the PPGPA and Exit GPA was 0.76 and between the S-M GPA and Exit GPA 0.72. The regression equation was Exit GPA = 0.938 + 0.270 S-M GPA + 0.473 PPGPA. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the admissions criteria used in our program for the past 8 years are predictive and that the model previously described is valid, and we believe this model is appropriate for accreditation purposes.

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