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Abstract

Purpose. The National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) is a multiple-choice examination that Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students must pass to obtain licensure as physical therapists in the United States. Recent national data show a concerning decline in first-time pass rates, dropping from 91% in 2020 to 82% in 2025.1 This downward trend is also reflected at our university. These findings underscore the need for effective strategies to enhance NPTE preparation. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to: 1) Describe a scaffolded model of faculty-guided exam preparation, designed to enhance students’ success on the NPTE during the months preceding this examination; 2) Explore the feasibility of the NPTE Success Program by examining preliminary data on student participation and its potential impact on preparing DPT students for the national board examination.

Method. Rockhurst University implemented a voluntary, faculty-led NPTE Success Program during the final semester of the 2.5-year curriculum to enhance DPT student readiness for the NPTE, starting in 2023. This quality-improvement model involved the development and implementation of a three-component intervention. The intervention consisted of individualized study plans, faculty-led review sessions, and small-group active learning. Researchers collected data on students’ attendance at each program component during the final semester, performance on the Practice Exam and Assessment Tool (PEAT), student self-efficacy assessment at the beginning and end of the semester, as well as the first-time NPTE scores.

Results. Overall, increased student participation in the NPTE Success Program was observed in cohort 2 compared to cohort 1. Although statistical significance was not achieved, a consistent trend emerged in which participation in any program component was associated with improved PEAT performance compared with non-participation across both cohorts. Additionally, self-efficacy scores improved from the beginning to the end of the semester, with no between-group differences noted.

Conclusion. The NPTE Success Program offers a scalable and replicable framework for other DPT programs, with a no-cost, faculty-driven model that promotes accessibility and adaptability. The preliminary data supports good adherence with increased student engagement, a positive trend with higher exam performance observed among students who participated in the program while warranting continued monitoring for statistical significance.

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