The Impact of a Board Preparatory Platform on First-time National Physical Therapy Examination Pass Rates

Authors

• Shuying Lin, University of Mississippi Medical CenterFollow
• Melanie Lauderdale, University of Mississippi Medical CenterFollow
• Alyssa Bradford, University of Mississippi Medical CenterFollow
• Michael Brown, University of Mississippi Medical CenterFollow
• Kimberly Holt, University of Mississippi Medical CenterFollow
• Madelaine Palen, University of Mississippi Medical CenterFollow
• April Coward, University of Mississippi Medical CenterFollow
• Evan Warnick, University of Mississippi Medical CenterFollow

Abstract

Purpose: Performance on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) is a key indicator of academic quality in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs. Although commercial board preparation tools are widely available, evidence of their effectiveness remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of integrating TrueLearn (TL), a board-preparatory platform, into a DPT curriculum and to examine additional predictors of first-time success on NPTE. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 270 graduates from the University of Mississippi Medical Center DPT program (Classes of 2020–2025). Students in the Classes of 2024 and 2025 (n = 84) were exposed to TL, whereas earlier cohorts (n = 186) were not. Regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations of TL utilization, admission metrics, DPT program GPA, and demographic factors with NPTE scaled scores and first-time pass rates (FTPRs). A survey was administered to the TL-exposed cohorts to assess perceptions of the platform’s usefulness and cost-effectiveness. Results: Graduates with TL exposure demonstrated a higher FTPR compared with those without exposure (92.9% vs. 80.6%, p = 0.010). TL integration was associated with increased odds of passing the NPTE (OR = 5.09, p = 0.003) and a 24-point increase in scaled score on the first attempt (p < 0.001). DPT program GPA (OR = 528.17, p < 0.001) and male gender (OR = 7.15, p < 0.001) were also significant predictors of NPTE success. Survey responses (24% response rate) indicated that 70–85% of respondents perceived TL as beneficial and cost-effective. Conclusion: Integration of TL into the DPT curriculum, in addition to existing board preparation strategies, was associated with improved first-time NPTE performance. Academic performance in the DPT program and male gender were also predictive of NPTE performance. These findings may help programs identify at-risk students and implement targeted strategies to improve licensure outcomes. Limitations of the current study include potential temporal confounding, the 2024 NPTE format change, the use of additional preparatory resources, and the relatively low survey response rate.

Author Bio(s)

Shuying Lin, PT, DPT, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS. She is also a licensed physical therapist in the state of Mississippi. 

Melanie Lauderdale, PT, DPT, EdD, is the Chair and Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS. She is also a licensed physical therapist and Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy in the state of Mississippi. 

Alyssa Bradford, PT, DPT, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS. She is also a licensed physical therapist and Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy in the state of Mississippi. 

Michael Brown, PT, DPT, PhD, is the Assistant Chair and Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS. He is also a licensed physical therapist and Board Certified Sports Clinical Specialist in the state of Mississippi. 

Kimberly Holt, PT, DPT, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS. She is also a licensed physical therapist in the state of Mississippi. 

Madelaine Palen was a student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS, at the time this research was conducted. She earned her DPT degree in May 2026. She is a licensed physical therapist in the state of Mississippi. 

April Coward was a student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS, at the time this research was conducted. She earned her DPT degree in May 2026. She is a licensed physical therapist in the state of Mississippi.

Evan Warnick was a student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS, at the time this research was conducted. He earned his DPT degree in May 2026. He is a licensed physical therapist in the state of Mississippi. 

Recommended Citation

Lin S, Lauderdale M, Bradford A, Brown M, Holt K, Palen M, et al. The Impact of a Board Preparatory Platform on First-time National Physical Therapy Examination Pass Rates. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2026 Sep 01;24(3), Article 22.