RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Predictors of Success on the MLT and MLS Board of Certification Exam
JF American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science
JO Clin Lab Sci
FD American Society of Chemistry and Laboratory Science
SP 46
OP 51
DO 10.29074/ascls.2020002683
VO 34
IS 4
A1 Janice Thomas
A1 Jeffrey L. Alexander
YR 2021
UL http://hwmaint.clsjournal.ascls.org/content/34/4/46.abstract
AB The American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (BOC) is a final determinant of competency and a benchmark standard for medical laboratory technician (MLT) and medical laboratory sciences/scientist (MLS) program accreditation. Thus, enrolling students who are likely to pass the BOC exam is crucial for university programs. Four years of graduate data from one university with accredited MLT and MLS programs were retrieved. Correlations were conducted between BOC scores and preadmission grade point average (PA-GPA), mode of instruction (online vs face to face), and years to graduation. Age at graduation and sex were also considered in the analysis. Of 437 graduates, 205 were MLT students (116 online and 89 face to face), and 232 were MLS students (151 online and 81 face to face). MLS students were required to have an MLT degree from any National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science–accredited institution prior to admission into the MLS program. Stepwise linear regression analysis revealed PA-GPA as the most influential predictor of BOC scores in both the MLT (r = .490, n = 205, p < .001) and MLS programs (r = .313, n = 232, p < .001). Sex demonstrated an unexpected statistically significant correlation at the MLS level, revealing higher scores in male students. Negative, nonstatistically significant correlations were seen between BOC scores and age and years to degree completion. A positive nonstatistically significant correlation was seen favoring face-to-face students. Institutions should consider PA-GPA a primary screening tool for program admission.