Predictors of Success on the Credentialing Examination in Radiography for First- and Non-First-Generation Students

Authors

Michael F. Iorio, Loma Linda UniversityFollow
William J. Edmunds, Loma Linda UniversityFollow
Benjamin J. Becerra, California State UniversityFollow

Abstract

Background: Identifying predictors of student success is fundamental across higher education in the United States, particularly for historically underserved first-generation students. In radiologic technology programs, the literature suggests that variables prior to and during matriculation in these programs affects scores on the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) credentialing examination in Radiography. However, the evidence in this area has not considered the educational patterns for first-generation students. Purpose: This study sought to improve our understanding about how select student background characteristics and experiences prior to and during the years enrolled in radiologic technology programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) affect scores on the ARRT credentialing examination in radiography, especially for first-generation students. Method: The researchers surveyed graduates from radiologic technology programs in 2018 and 2019 who attempted the radiography credentialing examination in these two years. Results: A total of 286 cases were included in the analysis, which revealed different patterns and effects of predictor variables on credentialing examination scores for first- and non-first-generation students. Whereas 10 variables prior to and during matriculation affected examination scores for first-generation students, only 8 did for their non-first-generation peers. Conclusion: Identifying predictors of success in radiologic technology programs helps professionals in these programs design environments that provide opportunities for students to enhance their chances to be successful on the Radiography exam, especially first-generation students.

Author Bio(s)

Michael F. Iorio is an Assistant Professor in the School of Allied Health Professions at Loma Linda University. He also serves as the Director of the Master of Science in Radiation Sciences program.

William J. Edmunds is an Assistant Professor in the School of Allied Health Professions at Loma Linda University. He also serves as the Director of the Medical Radiography program and is a practicing radiographer.

Benjamin J. Becerra is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Information and Decision Sciences in the Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration and Co-director of the Center for Health Equity at California State University, San Bernardino.

DOI

10.46743/1540-580X/2021.2012

Recommended Citation

Iorio MF, Edmunds WJ, Becerra BJ. Predictors of Success on the Credentialing Examination in Radiography for First- and Non-First-Generation Students. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2021 Jan 01;19(2), Article 14.