Drive PT Education and Exam Success with Predictive Analytics and Robust Data

Physical therapy (PT) programs constantly grapple with preparing students effectively for the NPTE^®. A study by Trine University aimed to develop, evaluate, and describe models for predicting first-time NPTE^® scores and outcomes using variables related to student academic performance. Among them, three were found to have the strongest correlation—prerequisite GPA, basic science courses GPA, and comprehensive exam scores—accurately predicting 81.1% of the exam outcomes.

While the model predicted a pass 96.7% of the time, the percent correct for failure prediction was just 14.3%. Additionally, the model only explained 30.9% of the variance in NPTE^® scores. Due to this, the authors suggest that more weight be given to the probabilities generated versus the predicted outcome and that the model be used to guide resources to support students who could be at risk.

An interesting observation is that the three metrics with the strongest correlation represented key milestones in the PT student’s journey, from pre-admission to an end-of-program summative assessment. This suggests that schools would benefit from tracking student progress longitudinally from the start of the program through graduation. Additionally, having access to real-time, key, and objective student performance data with respect to the NPTE^® performance could help accurately assess student readiness and identify those at risk of failure so that remediation can begin early.

So how can programs and faculty obtain this level of performance data to better support students and elevate end-of-program outcomes? TrueLearn holds the solution.

A robust data analytics engine that enhances PT learning and exam outcomes
TrueLearn’s proven-effective solution for PT learning and exam prep has helped PT students improve exam bank performance by 22.83%. The platform’s quizzing and assessment tools coupled with it’s powerful data analytics engine delivers real-time, key, and objective data so faculty can quickly and easily see how students are performing, pinpoint strong and weak content areas, spot learning gaps, and identify at-risk students. This informs and facilitates the adaptation of teaching strategies and timely remediation plans that are built on solid data to meet learning needs.

TrueLearn also provides mock assessments, aligned to the most current exam format, that educators can deploy as formative or summative evaluations. Supported by the platform’s predictive analytics, faculty gain a clear picture of how well students are armed for and will likely perform on the NPTE^®.