Predicting Academic Difficulties and National Physical Therapy Examination Success in a Doctor of Physical Therapy Program: The Role of Admissions Variables and Course-Specific Performance

Although admissions variables, such as science and math GPA, predicted early academic performance, they did not forecast academic difficulties. Clinical Management coursework GPA was the most significant predictor of NPTE success, highlighting the importance of course-specific performance in DPT programs. These findings suggest that beyond admissions criteria, targeted academic support may be necessary to address students at risk for academic difficulty, ultimately enhancing outcomes in physical therapy education.