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Analysis of grade point average and first-time PANCE performance among graduate/undergraduate and full-time/part-time status students of the Drexel University PA program: 2004-2006
Drexel University. College of Nursing and Health Professions. Faculty Research and Publications.
27 Nov 2007
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of the study was to evaluate if a difference exist in first-attempt Physician Assistant Certifying Exam (f-PANCE) performance and final grade point average (GPA) between both degree completion (Master's of Health Science/Bachelor's of Science) and time status (full-time/part-time) of students in the Drexel University Physician Assistant Program. Methods: Final grade point averages and f-PANCE scores were compared with degree completion and time status for students graduating from the classes of 2004, 2005, and 2006 at the Drexel University Physician Assistant Program. The study population included a total of 178 students. One-hundred forty three (80%) completed with a Master's of Health Science degree (MHS), 35 (20%) completed with a Bachelor's of Science degree (BS) and of these students, 137 (77%) were full-time and 41 (23%) were part-time. Independent-Samples T Test analysis was performed using the SPSS statistical package. Results: Both MHS and full-time students attained a significantly higher GPA and f-PANCE score compared to BS and part-time students. The mean difference in GPA and f-PANCE scores between MHS and BS students was 0.48 (95% CI, 0.38-0.58) (p=0.00) and 52.3 (95% CI, 17.9-86.8) (p=0.00) respectively. The mean difference in GPA and f-PANCE scores between full-time and part-time students was 0.21 (95% CI, 0.10-0.31) (p=0.00) and 57.7 (95% CI, 25.4-89.9) (p=0.00) respectively. Discussion: The difference in curriculum between the MHS and BS students in this institution is that graduate students must achieve at least a 3.0 grade point average in graduate courses and complete Graduate Projects I & II. BS students must maintain a grade point average of at least a 2.0 in each course and do not participate in Graduate Projects I & II. This study suggests that possibly the higher academic requirements of a graduate student may have a positive influence on f-PANCE performance and GPA. Full-time students in this cohort performed better in GPA and f-PANCE compared to part-time students. Further analysis is needed to identify variables that would influence academic success and f-PANCE performance such as personal, social and academic dynamics.
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Details
- Title
- Analysis of grade point average and first-time PANCE performance among graduate/undergraduate and full-time/part-time status students of the Drexel University PA program: 2004-2006
- Creators
- Charles Stream (Author) - Drexel University (1970-)Joseph Krolikowski (Author) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Publication Details
- Drexel University. College of Nursing and Health Professions. Faculty Research and Publications.
- Resource Type
- Other
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- DU; College of Nursing and Health Professions
- Identifiers
- 991014632317604721