Prediction of medical technologists' scores on the MT (ASCP) certification examinations

Abstract

Seventeen students' professional year performance variables were employed to predict their scores on the MT-ASCP certification examination. The purpose of the study was designed to address three principal questions:

1. What is relationship, if any, between students' theory section and combined grades in key subjects (blood bank, hematology, microbiology, and clinical chemistry) and analogous sub-scores on the MT-ASCP examination?

2. What is the relationship, if any, between the seventeen predictor variables and MT-ASCP total scores? and

3. Which of the seventeen predictor variables, individually or in combination, best predict MT-ASCP total scores at the different academic decision points?

The sample consisted of 1985-1987 (N=103) and 1988-1991 (N=147) graduates from the six hospital-based medical technology programs in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Data required for analysis were taken from the graduates' academic records at the six institutions.

Descriptive statistics, correlation coefficients, and stepwise regression analyses were used to test eight hypotheses, with results generally as follows:

With the exception of numerical grades in hematology in 1985-1987, there were statistically significant relationships (p<.05) between the four major MT courses and MT-ASCP subsection scores. All seventeen independent variables were statistically (p<.05) correlated with 1985- 1991 MT-ASCP total scores, regardless of the method of reporting the scores. Four significant (p<.05) multiple linear regression equations were computed between the MT-ASCP total scores and the seventeen predictors included in the study at different critical points during professional year education for 1985-1987 and 1988-1991 graduates. About 50% of the total variance in the 1988-1991 MT-ASCP scaled scores was accounted for by three of the 17 potential professional year predictor variables. The addition of three preprofessional and personal predictors extended the variance explained to 61%.

The research warranted the conclusion that the MT-ASCP examination validly reflects the content and laboratory methods offered in the hospital-based professional training Programs in the sample of Virginia institutions.