Using the End of Curriculum Exam to Evaluate Student Readiness: Balancing the Need for Remediation Against Real-World Consequences

While the program's mandated EOC remediation plan in 2024 and 2025 resulted in extended matriculation and postponed PANCE dates for 5 students, all students passed their EOC retake and subsequent PANCE. Results support using EOC scores as a reliable predictor of PANCE performance, provided appropriate remediation can be provided. Importantly, by viewing program extension decisions like mandated remediation in a consequential validity framework, the study underscores the need for PA programs to develop local, evidence-based, and equitable policies for decision-making.