PA-CAT Reports & Research Abstracts

Providing PA program directors, admissions directors, and PA faculty with the most current reporting and research information on the PA-CAT.

PA-CAT Reports and Research Abstracts

Below are synopsis and briefs from a variety of research conducted for the PA-CAT, including but not limited to:

  • PA-CAT Examinee Performance Reports
  • PA-CAT Scoring Analysis
  • PA-CAT PA Program(s) Analysis
  • PA-CAT Correlation to Didactic Courses, Didactic GPA & the PACKRAT

Links are included to all reports.

Scroll down to view the latest research on the PA-CAT.

The principal investigators and psychometrician mentioned below are currently conducting multiple ongoing research studies related to the PA-CAT, to determine the correlation of the PA-CAT as an admissions instrument in relationship to key educational variables within physician assistant education. Significant research emphasis is being placed upon analyzing historical predictors of performance in didactic and clinical education, and PANCE performance as they correlate to the PA-CAT. This includes, but not limited to:

  • Individual Didactic Courses (A&P for example) 
  • First Semester Didactic GPA 
  • Overall Didactic GPA
  • The PACKRAT 
  • Overall Course GPA
  • PANCE scores

Other ongoing research includes PA-CAT Exam Reliability and PA-CAT Scoring Analysis.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Scott Massey, PhD, PA-C

With over three decades of experience in PA education, Dr. Scott Massey is a recognized authority in the field. He has demonstrated his expertise as a program director at the esteemed Central Michigan University and as the research chair in the Department of PA Studies at the University of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Massey’s influence extends beyond practical experience, he has significantly contributed to accreditation, assessment, and student success. His innovative methodologies have guided numerous PA programs to ARC-PA accreditation and have improved program outcomes. His predictive statistical risk modeling has enabled schools to anticipate student results. Dr. Massey has published articles related to predictive modeling and educational outcomes. He has also conducted longitudinal research in stress among graduate Health Science students. His commitment to advancing the PA field is evident through participation in PAEA committees, councils, and educational initiatives.

FORMER PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Johnna Yearly, PhD, PA-C

Dr. Johnna Yearly, Associate Professor and Program Director at University of Tampa Physician Assistant Medicine Program. Johnna Yealy specializes in emergency medicine. She has also provided clinical services in dermatology, hospital medicine and student health. Dr. Yealy has been actively involved both in state and national professional organizations. She served as the president of the Tennessee Academy of Physician Assistants twice, as well as the vice president and student representative of the Academy. Nationally, she has served in various roles with the Physician Assistant Education Association.

Dr. Yealy has presented at the AAPA, AAMC and PAEA national conferences and authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles. She has authored a book chapter in dermatology. Yealy was a Statewide Model AHEC Community Advisory Board Member and National Health Service Corps Ambassador. Dr. Yealy serves in the United States Army Reserves in the 7222nd Medical Support Operations Unit and holds the rank of captain. She has been awarded the following: Global War on Terrorism Ribbon, Army Reserve Component Achievement 1st Award, TN Army National Guard Achievement Ribbon (twice).

PSYCHOMETRICIAN
Rajat Chadha, PhD

Dr. Rajat Chadha, with a PhD in Education from Indiana University, Bloomington, is an expert psychometrician with more than 14 years of extensive experience working on multiple significant projects. Dr. Chadha has worked as a psychometrician in high-stakes certification for physicians in the United States. He has also worked on predictive risk modeling for Physician Assistant programs and has published book chapters and peer-reviewed articles in leading journals.

PA-CAT CONTENT MANAGER
Michael Tharp, Exam Master

The PA-CAT research briefs, synopsis and full reports will be updated on an ongoing basis by the principal investigator(s) and psychometrician as a service to the PA educational community to ensure transparency and report the most up-to-date research data and developments.

RESEARCH BRIEF

The Predictive Strength of the Physician Assistant College Admissions Test (PA-CAT) Scores to 2025 Cohort Didactic Year Performance at University of Nevada, Reno Physician Assistant Program

University of Nevada, Reno: Class of 2025 Report
Brian S. Lauf, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA (1),
Julie Thomas, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA (1),
Jeffrey S. Weinert, PA-C (1),
Scott Massey, PhD, PA-C,
Rajat Chadha, PhD (Psychometrician for PA-CAT)

(1) University of Nevada Reno

Date: September 2024

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SUMMARY

The study explored the relationship between PA-CAT scores and overall academic performance in the University of Nevada, Reno’s PA program, class of 2025 (n = 23). Findings showed a statistically significant positive correlation (p < .05) between the PA-CAT composite score and performance in several key courses, including Anatomy, Physiology, Pathophysiology, Basic Science in Clinical Medicine, and Clinical Skills I. These results indicate that the PA-CAT is a strong predictor of academic success during the didactic year of the PA program.

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REPORT

PA-CAT Statistical Summary Report

Summary of Candidate Performance from May 1, 2020
through July 20, 2024

Rajat Chadha, PhD (Psychometrician for PA-CAT)

Date: September 2024

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SUMMARY

This PA-CAT Statistical Summary Report summarizes the performance of candidates in terms of the Composite scaled score from the beginning of administration on May 1, 2020 to July 20, 2024. The data show that the reliability of PA-CAT Composite scaled scores is very high (0.939), indicating that the PA-CAT Composite scaled scores are very dependable. This means that it is highly likely that the PA-CAT examinees with higher PA-CAT scaled scores have higher knowledge and application skills in the prerequisite science subjects, thereby serving as a predictor of success in a PA Program’s curriculum.

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RESEARCH BRIEF

The Predictive Strength of the Physician Assistant College Admissions Test (PA-CAT) Scores to 2023 Cohort Complete Program Performance at Miami-Dade College Physician Assistant Program

Miami-Dade College: Class of 2023 Report Avril Nimblett-Clark, DMSc, MS, PA-C (1), Scott Massey, PhD, PA-C, Rajat Chadha, PhD (Psychometrician for PA-CAT)

(1) Miami-Dade College

Date: July 2024

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SUMMARY

The study examined the relationship between PA-CAT scores and overall performance in the PA program for the class of 2023 (n = 53) at Miami-Dade College. The results revealed that the PA-CAT composite score had a statistically significant positive correlation (p < .05) with performance in various courses, including two Physical Diagnosis courses, Clinical Anatomy and Physiology, Clinical Diagnostic Imaging, Clinical Medicine I, Pathophysiological Basis of Disease I, Electrocardiography, Pharmacology I, Pharmacotherapeutics, Clinical Pharmacotherapeutics, first-semester GPA, second-semester GPA, combined cumulative GPA, and the didactic PACKRAT. This suggests that the PA-CAT is a reliable predictor of academic success during the didactic year of the PA program.

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Additionally, the undergraduate science GPA also showed a significant positive correlation with first-semester GPA, combined cumulative GPA, and the didactic PACKRAT. However, the PA-CAT composite score proved to be a stronger predictor of these outcomes than the undergraduate science GPA alone. Combining the PA-CAT composite score with the undergraduate science GPA provided an even stronger prediction of first-semester GPA, combined cumulative GPA, and the didactic PACKRAT than using the undergraduate science GPA alone.

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RESEARCH BRIEF

The Predictive Strength of the Physician Assistant College Admissions Test (PA-CAT) Scores to 2023 Cohort Complete Didactic Performance at Miami-Dade College Physician Assistant Program

Miami-Dade College: Class of 2023 Report
Avril Nimblett-Clark, DMSc, MS, PA-C (1), Scott Massey, PhD, PA-C, Rajat Chadha, PhD (Psychometrician for PA-CAT)

1. Miami-Dade College

Date: December 2023

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SUMMARY

The current research study from Miami-Dade College’s Physician Assistant Program investigates the predictive strength of PA-CAT exam scores for their 2023 cohort’s full didactic performance. The study identified a statistically significant positive correlation between PA-CAT Composite scores and student performance in various courses and assessments, including Physical Diagnosis, Clinical Anatomy & Physiology, Clinical Diagnostic Imaging, and PACKRAT scores.

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These findings show that high PA-CAT exam scores were indicative of better performance in these didactic courses.

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RESEARCH BRIEF

The Predictive Strength of the Physician Assistant College Admissions Test (PA-CAT) Scores to 2024 Cohort Complete Didactic Performance at St. Elizabeth University Physician Assistant Program

Saint Elizabeth University: Class of 2024 Report
Medea Valdez, DHEd, MPAS, PA-C (1), Scott Massey PhD, PA-C, Rajat Chadha, PhD (Psychometrician for PA-CAT)

1. Saint Elizabeth University

Date: November 2023

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SUMMARY

The current research study investigated the relationship between the PA-CAT scores and performance during the didactic year of the incoming class (n=36) of 2024 PA program at St. Elizabeth University. The results indicate that PA-CAT Composite scores are useful in predicting performance in didactic courses, PACKRAT scores, and didactic GPA.

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These findings show that the PA-CAT is an excellent tool to identify candidates who are most likely to succeed during the didactic year of the PA program.

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RESEARCH BRIEF

The Predictive Strength of the Physician Assistant College Admissions Test (PA-CAT) Scores to 2024 Cohort First Semester Performance at the University of Texas Medical Branch Physician Assistant Program

University of Texas Medical Branch: Class of 2024 Report
Dr. Robert J. Philpot Jr., PhD, PA-C (1)
Scott Massey PhD, PA-C, Rajat Chadha, PhD (Psychometrician for PA-CAT)

(1) University of Texas Medical Branch

Date: September 2023

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SUMMARY

The research brief from the University of Texas Medical Branch investigates the predictive strength of the Physician Assistant College Admissions Test (PA-CAT) scores on the first-semester performance of their 2024 Physician Assistant program cohort. It reveals a significant positive correlation between PA-CAT exam scores and academic success in key courses like Human Anatomy and Pathophysiology 1, suggesting that higher PA-CAT exam scores can be indicative of better performance in these areas.

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These findings underscore the potential of PA-CAT exam scores as a useful tool within PA programs’ admissions process.

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REPORT

PA-CAT Examinee Performance Report

Rajat Chadha, PhD (Psychometrician for PA-CAT)

Date: September 2023

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SUMMARY

This PA-CAT Examinee Performance Report summarizes the performance of candidates in terms of the Composite scaled score from the beginning of administration on May 1, 2020 to June 21, 2023. The data show that the reliability of PA-CAT Composite scaled scores is very high (0.937), indicating that the PA-CAT Composite scaled scores are very dependable. This means that it is highly likely that the PA-CAT examinees with higher PA-CAT scaled scores have higher knowledge and application skills in the prerequisite science subjects, thereby serving as a predictor of success in a PA Program’s curriculum.

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The PA-CAT is a 240-item specialized discipline-specific assessment that is designed to measure knowledge and application in nine prerequisite science subjects necessary for success in the demanding Physician Assistant (PA) curriculum. The PA-CAT has been developed specifically for use by PA educators and their admissions departments as part of a holistic admissions process.

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RESEARCH BRIEF

The Predictive Strength of the Physician Assistant College Admissions Test (PA-CAT) Scores to 2024 Cohort First Semester Performance at St. Elizabeth University Physician Assistant Program

Saint Elizabeth University: Class of 2024 Report
Medea Valdez, DHEd, MPAS, PA-C (1), Scott Massey PhD, PA-C, Rajat Chadha, PhD (Psychometrician for PA-CAT)

1. Saint Elizabeth University

Date: September 2023

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SUMMARY

The Physician Assistant College Admissions Test (PA-CAT) is a 240-item assessment developed for use by Physician Assistant (PA) programs to inform holistic admissions processes. The current research study investigated the relationship between the PA-CAT scores and performance in the first semester of the incoming class (n=36) of the 2024 cohort at St. Elizabeth University PA Program.

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Results indicated that PA-CAT scores are useful in predicting performance in didactic courses in the first semester of the PA program, the overall first semester PA program GPA, and the number of C grades or below.

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REPORT

PA-CAT April 2022 Scoring Analysis

Exam Master Corporation

Date: April 2022

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SUMMARY

Detailed performance review and statistical analysis of PA-CAT for cohort of 1500 candidates.  Shows total composite scores, quintile rankings, domain scores, and other exam psychometric analyses.

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Includes sub-scores for Biology, Chemistry, and Anatomy and Physiology domains.  Shows quintile rankings for all scoring domains.  Statistical analysis of scores including standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis.

Includes latest content and weighting details by subject.  Includes sample score report.

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RESEARCH ABSTRACT

The Relationship of the PA-CAT Exam to Clinical GPA and PANCE

Johnna Yealy (1), PhD, PA-C, Scott Massey (2) PhD, PA-C, Rajat Chadha, PhD, David Beck (2), EdD, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA, Deanna L. Denault (3) PhD, MA, MEd

(1) The University of Tampa, (2) University of Pittsburgh, (3) Assumption University

Date: October 2021

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SUMMARY

Researchers administered the Physician Assistant College Admissions Exam (PA- CAT) to 181 PA candidates and recently matriculated students from 12 PA programs. The researchers ran a multivariant multiple regression analysis to identify statistically significant associations between the PA-CAT scaled scores and the PA Program clinical year GPA and PANCE exam scores from the same subjects.

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Researchers found that there was a moderately statistically significant positive relationship between the PA-CAT and both the PA program clinical year GPA and PANCE scores. These early results suggest that the PA-CAT scaled score and comparison percentile could provide a stronger understanding of a PA candidate’s basic science knowledge than using the candidate’s cumulative GPA, science GPA or their GRE score.

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RESEARCH REPORT

Data Analysis Report: PA-CAT, PANCE, Clinical GPA, & PACKRAT 2

Chadha R Psychometrician for PA-CAT
Examinees who were administered versions 1. 0, 1. 1, 1. 2 & 2.0  of PA-CAT

Date: Data Received July 2021

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FORMAL ABSTRACT/EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This study aims to investigate the value of Physician Assistant College Admission Test (PA-CAT) in predicting PA program’s clinical performance, PANCE scores, and PACKRAT 2 scores. PA-CAT was administered to 542 PA program students from multiple programs across the United States.

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PA-CAT scaled scores have a medium or close to medium statistically significant (p<0.01) positive correlation with clinical GPA (r=0.29), PANCE scores (r=0.38), and PACKRAT 2 scores (r=0.30).

PA-CAT scaled scores explain about 8.3% of the variance in clinical GPA. Undergraduate GPA and undergraduate science GPA do not add much value to the prediction of clinical GPA beyond PA-CAT scaled scores. The three predictor variables together explain about 9.0% of the variance in Clinical GPA.

PA-CAT scaled scores explain about 14.8% of the variance in PANCE scores. Undergraduate GPA and undergraduate science GPA add some value to the prediction of PANCE scores beyond PA-CAT scaled scores. The three predictor variables together explain about 21.8% of the variance in PANCE scores.

PA-CAT scaled scores explain about 9.0% of the variance in PACKRAT 2 scores. Undergraduate GPA and undergraduate science GPA do not add much value to the prediction of clinical GPA beyond PA-CAT scaled scores. The three predictor variables together explain about 11.7% of the variance in PACKRAT 2 scores.

This research study demonstrates the potential value of PA-CAT scores in predicting PA program’s clinical performance, PANCE scores, and PACKRAT 2 scores. The study will be updated when additional data becomes available in the future.

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RESEARCH ABSTRACT

The Relationship Between the Physician Assistant College Admissions Exam (PA-CAT) and PA Program Didactic Year GPA and PACKRAT

Scott Massey (1) PhD, PA-C, Johnna Yearly (2), PhD, PA-C, Rajat Chadha, PhD, David Beck (1), EdD, PA-C, DFAAPA, Deanna L. Denault (3), PhD, MA, MEd

(1) University of Pittsburgh, (2) The University of Tampa, (3) Assumption University

Date: October 2020

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SUMMARY

Researchers sought to compare the Physician Assistant College Admissions Exam (PA-CAT) scores of first semester PA students with key performance markers; the students didactic year GPA and didactic year mock certifying exam scores.

Researchers scaled the PA-CAT scores of 408 students and performed multivariant multiple regression analysis to identify statistically significant associations from the same subjects.

The results showed that there was a moderate correlation to PACKRAT, which is known to be predictive of PANCE success. These correlation results prove to be a stronger than prerequisite science and undergraduate GPA when selecting students for PA programs.

These results are still early, and further study is needed.

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The tremendous increased interest in the Physician Assistant (PA) profession over the past several years has resulted in a significant increase the number of applications to PA programs and placed a greater burden on PA programs to identify individuals capable of successfully completing the rigorous training. PA programs have traditionally utilized a variety of objective, cognitive measures including undergraduate grade point averages (GPA), science pre-requisite scores, and the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score as the cognitive variables to assess an applicant. The use of the GRE score, however as an entrance exam, has steadily decreased over the last decade due to conflicting data regarding its usefulness as a predictor of graduate success on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). GPA scores are not necessarily comparable across institutions, leaving admissions committees without a standard measure against which to evaluate applicants’ likelihood for success. A PA-specific admissions examination that measures basic science knowledge would offer admission committees a standardized measure to objectively compare applicants.

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RESEARCH ABSTRACT

The Relationship Between the PA School Admissions Exam (PA-CAT) and PA School Anatomy and Medical Science Course Grades

Johnna Yealy, PhD, PA-C, Dept. Chair/Program Director; Fraser Houston, PhD, Principal Faculty; Kimberly Dobrinski, PhD, Principal Faculty

The University of Tampa, Dept. of Physician Assistant Medicine, Tampa, FL

Date: October 2020

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SUMMARY

Researchers administered the Physician Assistant College Admissions Exam (PA- CAT) to forty-eight matriculated students during their orientation week at PA school. The students’ PA-CAT scores were compared to their final course grades in their Anatomy and Physiology and Medical Sciences classes.

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The researchers ran a regression analysis on the PA-CAT percent score (independent variable) on the A&P course grade and medical science course grade (dependent variables). Both courses showed a moderate positive correlation with PA-CAT scale scores, which A&P being slightly higher.

These early results show that PA-CAT test scores may be useful in identifying students who may struggle in the basic science courses (A&P and Medical Sciences) and who may benefit from a study program prior to starting the PA program.

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RESEARCH ABSTRACT

The Relationship Between Physician Assistant School Admissions Exam (PA-CAT) and Undergraduate Performance Measured by Science GPA & Cumulative GPA

Massey S, Yealy J, Chadha R, Beck D.  The Relationship Between Physician Assistant School Admissions Exam (PA-CAT) and Undergraduate Performance Measured by Science GPA and Cumulative GPA”. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 

Date: 2020 Mar 17;18(2)

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SUMMARY

This study aims to understand if the Physician Assistant School Admissions Exam (PA-CAT) is predictive of PA student success in their PA training, as measured by the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). The study uses probabilistic model, The Rasch Model, in this retrospective study. The study looks at the PA-CAT scores of 479 students entering PA schools during the 2018-2019 school year.

Initial research from this study suggests that the PA-CAT is a viable instrument for determining PA school admittance. For instance, researchers found that a PA-CAT examinee with an undergraduate science GPA that was one point higher was expected to score 17.39 scale points higher on the PA- CAT. Though more testing is needed, preliminary results show that the PA-CAT may be a valid admissions tool for PA school.

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FORMAL ABSTRACT

Physician Assistant (PA) programs often set minimum GPA and graduate record examination (GRE) requirements for admission, citing that candidate with higher admission scores will perform better in the PA program. However, to date, there are limited published studies with inconsistent results that have investigated the validity of using these preadmission characteristics to predict performance in PA programs or on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE).  The development of a physician assistant college admission test (PA-CAT) that has predictive validity to determine PANCE success would give PA admissions committees an additional resource to make decisions. This study was conducted to determine the strength of the relationship between PA-CAT and undergraduate cumulative and science GPA.

Methods: The PA-CAT is comprised of 180 questions covering twelve subject areas based on research identifying the relative importance of that subject to success in the PA curriculum. The exam was administered through a secured computer-based testing to 479 newly admitted PA students across the United States. Regression analysis was conducted with Rasch scale scores as the dependent variable and two independent variables (undergraduate GPA and undergraduate science GPA).

Results: The PA-CAT Rasch scale scores are positively correlated with undergraduate GPA (r=0.16) and undergraduate science GPA (r=0.22). Although these correlation coefficients are statistically significant (Conclusion: Early results from this research study demonstrates there is a statistically significant relationship between the PA-CAT and undergraduate science GPA in newly admitted PA students.

Limitations of the study include the fact that students voluntarily took this exam without consequence. Further study is needed to determine if the exam can be generalized to the entire PA applicant pool thereby providing a valid instrument for admissions decisions.

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RESEARCH ABSTRACT

Correlation of Admissions Variables and a standardized PA Admissions Exam

David Beck MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA (1); P. Daniel Patterson PhD, MPH, MS, NRP (2); Emily Murphy MPAS, PA-C1; Mary Allias MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA (1); Jason Hare MPAS, PA-C1; Jamie Hammond MPAS, MS, PA- C (1); Rosa Fannie MPA, PA-C (1); Christine Rodgers MPAS, MPH, PA-C (1)

(1)Department of Physician Assistant Studies, School of Health and Rehabilitation Science (2)Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Date: October 2019

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SUMMARY

The Physician Assistant College Admissions Exam (PA-CAT) may be a reliable PA school admissions variable, though more testing is needed. There was promise between the correlation of undergraduate GPA and the graduate school entrance exam (and commonly required) GRE test.

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FORMAL ABSTRACT/BACKGROUND

Candidate selection processes for physician assistant (PA) education admissions is heterogeneous and challenged by a lack of standards or guidance. (1,2)

In the academic and professional literature, there is a dearth of controlled studies, multi-center analyses, or studies of large populations; further, the published studies are small and offer inconsistent results. (1)

A standardized exam for PA applicants may guide admissions decisions and predict student success in achieving the necessary competencies during the program and upon completion.

This study sought to determine the correlation between demographics, undergraduate academic performance, and the PA College Admission Test (PA-CAT), a standardized exam developed by Exam Master® Corporation for use in PA admissions.

  1. Moore S, Clark C, Haught A, et al. Factors associated with academic performance in physician assistant graduate programs and national certification examination scores: a literature review. Health Professions Education. 2018. doi: 10.1016/j.hpe.2018.06.003

2. Honda T, Patel-Junankar D, Baginski R, Scott R. Admissions variables: predictors of physician assistant student success. J Physician Assist Educ. 2018;29(3):167-172. doi:10.1097/JPA.0000000000000212

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