Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination and Clinical Simulation Examination Predictors of Success

Abstract

Background:

The purpose of this study was to determine what sections in the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination and Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE), administered through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), are predictors associated with passing the aforementioned examinations based upon the examination matrixes provided by the NBRC.

Methods:

De-identified examination scores pertaining to Florida A and M University graduates that have taken the TMC and CSE examinations were analyzed utilizing descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analysis to determine the TMC and CSE examination matrix sections that are predictors of passing each examination. The years selected were 2015-2021. Graduates were separated based upon the matrixes associated with the testing date for each graduate. Due to the randomness of CSE test sections in which graduates were tested, the subsections in the CSE matrix sections 1 through 3 were combined into an average score for each section to allow the logistic regression analysis to proceed.

Results:

Logistic regression for graduates tested utilizing the CSE 2020 NBRC matrix revealed section 3 average (OR 1.186, P = .031) was a significant predictor for passing. Matrix section 1 (OR 1.290, P = .133) and matrix section 2 (OR 1.033, P = .619) were not significant predictors. Graduates tested using the CSE 2015 NBRC matrix showed section 1 average (OR 1.132, P = .002) and section 3 average (OR 1.097, P < .001) were significant predictors for passing. Matrix section 2 (OR 0.987, P = .083) was not a significant predictor. Logistic regression performed using graduates that tested using the 2015 and 2020 matrixes yielded no predictors that were statistically significant based upon the total number of questions testers scored correct for each of the three matrix sections.

Conclusions:

CSE matrix section 3, Initiation and Modification of Interventions, was a significant predictor of CSE success regardless of matrix year. More analysis is needed to determine which matrix subsections can be considered predictors of success for the CSE and TMC. Recruitment of other institutions is needed to boost sample size, which will allow for more thorough analysis of matrix subsections for both examinations.