Document Type (Journals)
Original Research
Abstract
Given the critical role of National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification in occupational therapy (OT) practice, this study examined predictors of NBCOT examination success to inform program improvement. Analyzing data from 59 Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) graduates at a single institution over the course of three years (2020–2022), a retrospective design with logistic regression assessed undergraduate grade point average (GPA), prerequisite GPA, within-program GPA, Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, and pre- and post- Occupational Therapy Knowledge Examination (OTKE) scores as predictors of first-attempt NBCOT pass rates. Of 58 students with reported outcomes, 56% passed on the first attempt. OTKE pretest (OR=1.105, p=0.032) and posttest (OR=1.189, p=0.027) scores significantly predicted success, with each one-point increase raising pass odds by 10.5% and 18.9%, respectively. A typical female student with mean scores had a 62.2% pass probability, while maximum scores yielded 99.4%. GRE scores and GPAs showed no significant association. Despite a 100% aggregate pass rate, first-attempt rates declined from 81% (2020) to 38% (2022), possibly due to COVID-19 disruptions. These findings highlight the OTKE’s value in NBCOT preparation and question the GRE’s utility in admissions. Future research should investigate admission processes, test preparation strategies, qualitative admissions factors, and how OTKE integration can advance OT education by enhancing curricula and student readiness.
Biography
Sherri Powers, DOT, MSOT, BSOT, OTR/L, CAPS is a professor in the Occupational Therapy Program at Murray State University in Kentucky, and has taught for over 13 years. Her research focus includes urinary incontinence for elders, occupational therapy services for children, animal assisted therapy, and educating occupational therapy students.
Lori Eggers Saxby, MEd has been an educator for over 40 years. Currently retired from full time work as a Reading Specialist at the University of Southern Indiana, Lori continues her love of teaching as an adjunct and love of learning as a co-researcher focusing on post-secondary reading and learning strategies.
Christopher J. Mecklin, Ph.D is a professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Murray State University. He is an applied statistician who has consulted with researchers in many fields, including ecology, chemistry education, nursing, and public health.
Declaration of Interest
The authors report no declarations of interest.
Recommended Citation
Powers, S., Eggers Saxby, L., & Mecklin, C. (2025). Predictors of NBCOT Examination Pass Rates: The Role of GPA, GRE, and OTKE Scores in Occupational Therapy Education. Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, 9 (3). https://doi.org/10.26681/jote.2025.090307
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