From Admission to Credentialing: A Retrospective Analysis of GPA Thresholds for Predicting First-attempt Success on the Therapist Multiple Choice Examination and Avoiding Academic Dead-ends in Respiratory Therapy Education
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Kelly Long
Location
Savannah Ballroom
If Other was choses above, please indicate your topic area here:
Health Professions Education Research with a specific focus on respiratory therapy program admissions and credentialing outcomes
Type of Research
Proposed
Session Format
Poster Presentation
College
Waters College of Health Professions
Department
Department of Clinical Sciences
Abstract
This quantitative case-control study investigated the predictive relationship between admissions variables and first-time success on the Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) credentialing examination in respiratory therapy education. With growing workforce demands and accreditation pressures, identifying which admission criteria predict credentialing success has become increasingly important for program viability and student outcomes. Using retrospective data from 91 students who graduated from a southeastern baccalaureate respiratory therapy program between 2016 and 2024, this study examined multiple GPA metrics, enrollment patterns, and their relationship to TMC performance. Independent sample t-tests revealed statistically significant differences across all GPA categories between students who passed the TMC on their first attempt and those requiring multiple attempts. First-year program GPA demonstrated the strongest discriminatory power (Cohen's d = 1.281 for low cut, 1.088 for high cut scores). Pearson correlation and backward stepwise multiple regression analyses confirmed that first-year program GPA (β = 0.470, p < .001) and science GPA (β = 0.217, p = .026) were the most robust predictors, explaining approximately 35% of variance in first-attempt TMC scores. ROC curve analysis established practical cut-off thresholds: first-year program GPA of 3.075, science GPA of 3.255, pre-program GPA of 3.17, and overall GPA of 3.495. These findings provide respiratory therapy programs with empirically validated benchmarks for admissions decision-making and early intervention strategies. The study introduces the concept of "academic dead-ends" to frame the ethical and financial implications for students, programs, and the profession when graduates cannot obtain credentialing. Results support implementing evidence-based admissions practices that prioritize academic preparedness while advancing student success and workforce readiness.
Program Description
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Start Date
4-21-2026 10:00 AM
End Date
4-21-2026 12:00 PM
Recommended Citation
Beriault, Hannah C., "From Admission to Credentialing: A Retrospective Analysis of GPA Thresholds for Predicting First-attempt Success on the Therapist Multiple Choice Examination and Avoiding Academic Dead-ends in Respiratory Therapy Education" (2026). GS4 Student Scholars Symposium. 15.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2026A/2026A/15
From Admission to Credentialing: A Retrospective Analysis of GPA Thresholds for Predicting First-attempt Success on the Therapist Multiple Choice Examination and Avoiding Academic Dead-ends in Respiratory Therapy Education
Savannah Ballroom
This quantitative case-control study investigated the predictive relationship between admissions variables and first-time success on the Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) credentialing examination in respiratory therapy education. With growing workforce demands and accreditation pressures, identifying which admission criteria predict credentialing success has become increasingly important for program viability and student outcomes. Using retrospective data from 91 students who graduated from a southeastern baccalaureate respiratory therapy program between 2016 and 2024, this study examined multiple GPA metrics, enrollment patterns, and their relationship to TMC performance. Independent sample t-tests revealed statistically significant differences across all GPA categories between students who passed the TMC on their first attempt and those requiring multiple attempts. First-year program GPA demonstrated the strongest discriminatory power (Cohen's d = 1.281 for low cut, 1.088 for high cut scores). Pearson correlation and backward stepwise multiple regression analyses confirmed that first-year program GPA (β = 0.470, p < .001) and science GPA (β = 0.217, p = .026) were the most robust predictors, explaining approximately 35% of variance in first-attempt TMC scores. ROC curve analysis established practical cut-off thresholds: first-year program GPA of 3.075, science GPA of 3.255, pre-program GPA of 3.17, and overall GPA of 3.495. These findings provide respiratory therapy programs with empirically validated benchmarks for admissions decision-making and early intervention strategies. The study introduces the concept of "academic dead-ends" to frame the ethical and financial implications for students, programs, and the profession when graduates cannot obtain credentialing. Results support implementing evidence-based admissions practices that prioritize academic preparedness while advancing student success and workforce readiness.
