The study will be updated when additional data becomes available in the future. This research study demonstrates the potential value of PA-CAT scores in predicting PA program’s clinical performance, PANCE scores, and PACKRAT 2 scores. The three predictor variables together explain about 11.7% of the variance in PACKRAT 2 scores. Undergraduate GPA and undergraduate science GPA do not add much value to the prediction of clinical GPA beyond PA-CAT scaled scores. PA-CAT scaled scores explain about 9.0% of the variance in PACKRAT 2 scores.

The three predictor variables together explain about 21.8% of the variance in PANCE scores. Undergraduate GPA and undergraduate science GPA add some value to the prediction of PANCE scores beyond PA-CAT scaled scores. PA-CAT scaled scores explain about 14.8% of the variance in PANCE scores. The three predictor variables together explain about 9.0% of the variance in Clinical GPA. PA-CAT scaled scores explain about 8.3% of the variance in clinical GPA. PA-CAT scaled scores have a medium or close to medium statistically significant (p<0.01) positive correlation with clinical GPA (r=0.29), PANCE scores (r=0.38), and PACKRAT 2 scores (r=0.30). Preliminary results show that a standardized exam, the Physician Assistant School Admissions Exam (PA-CAT), demonstrates potential as a viable tool for estimating a PA candidate’s success during a PA program. Preliminary Findings: Physician assistant (PA) educational programs are challenged by the increased demand for physician assistants, the pressure to select highly qualified applicants, and the lack of standards for school admittance. Part 4: Physician Assistant School Anatomy and Medical Science Course Grades presented at PAEA in October 2019 Part 3: Didactic Year GPA and PACKRAT presented at PAEA in October 2020 Part 2: Clinical GPA and PANCE completed in July 2021. Part 1: Undergraduate Performance Measured by Science GPA & Cumulative GPA in March 2020 The Relationship Between the PA-CAT and The Following Physician Assistant School Admittance Variables: Purpose: This research synopsis summarizes four parts of the relationship between the Physician Assistant School Admissions Exam (PA-CAT) and traditional PA school admissions variables: These research briefs include both published article and peer-reviewed research presentations at the PAEA conference between 2019-2021. This is accompanied by the scientific abstract for PA faculty who wish to read the scientific explanation of the results.

The abstract research briefs below provide a summary of the purpose behind the research and a simplified conclusion of the findings. The results of this study will also be released on this website and to the PA educational community as they become available. The principal investigators Scott Massey PhD PA-C and Johnna Yealy PhD PA-C are embarking upon a multiprogram study involving PA programs who have adopted the PA-CAT as an admissions instrument. The PA-CAT research abstract synopsis will be updated on an ongoing basis by the principal investigators Scott Massey PhD PA-C and Johnna Yealy PhD PA-C as a service to the PA community to ensure transparency and report the most up-to-date research data and developments.

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