Critical thinking dispositions in physician assistant students and the relationship with board scores and graduate GPA

Abstract

This study examined correlations between two standardized critical thinking tests, the Health Science Reasoning Test (HSRT) and the California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory (CCTDI), graduate GPA, and performance on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) in a convenience sample of 42 physician assistant students. Positive correlations were found between GPA and PANCE scores (r =0.668, p＜0.01) and GPA and pre-program HSRT scores (r =0.423, p＜0.01). No other correlations were found. GPA was strongly associated with PANCE success and may be a useful way to identify students requiring remediation for certification preparation. HSRT was modestly associated with program success as measured by GPA; therefore, the HSRT may be a valuable tool in the program’s admission selection process.