Factors predicting applicant outcomes in occupational therapy education.

Full Abstract

BACKGROUND: Student selection for health science programs is a complex process designed to identify individuals who are most likely to succeed academically and professionally. There is limited evidence supporting specific admission criteria beyond the pre-admission GPA, and no strong evidence substantiating the need for specific academic prerequisites. PURPOSE: This study examined the predictive value of selected pre-admissions criteria relative to student outcomes in a master of occupational therapy program. METHODS: The study involved analysis of data for 129 students admitted to a new master in occupational therapy program. FINDINGS: Results show strong support for the pre-admission academic average as a selection criterion and limited support for referee ratings. No evidence was found linking pre-admission coursework to subsequent performance in courses of similar content. IMPLICATIONS: Results provide evidence upon which to ground admissions decisions, and point to the need for further examination of the value of extensive pre-admission course requirements.

Author information

Author/s: Lysaght, Rosemary (R); Donnelly, Catherine (C); Villeneuve, Michelle (M);

Affiliation: School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada. lysaght(-atsign-)queensu.ca

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Canadian journal of occupational therapy. Revue canadienne d'ergothérapie (Can J Occup Ther), published in Canada. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Feb; vol 76 (issue 1) : pp 38-47

Dates: Created 2009/04/03; Completed 2009/04/21;

PMID: 19341021, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 4/21/2009, IMS Date: 21 Apr 2009 00:00:00)

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