A recent study published in Radiologic Technology reveals the predictive power of Health Education Systems Incorporated (HESI) Exit Exam scores for first-time success on the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam. The research also examines the impact of program policies on student outcomes, offering valuable insights for radiography education programs.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether HESI Exit Exam scores can predict a student’s likelihood of passing the ARRT certification exam on their first attempt. Additionally, the study aimed to explore the association between program policies regarding the HESI Exit Exam and student performance at the end of their programs.
Methodology and Data Analysis
Twenty-five radiography program directors contributed retrospective data on ARRT certification exam outcomes, while 24 directors completed surveys about their HESI Exit Exam policies. The data analysis focused on correlating HESI Exit Exam scores with first-time ARRT certification outcomes and investigating how program policies influenced these results.
The study gathered first-time ARRT certification exam results for 1265 graduates who took the HESI Exit Exam between 2018 and 2021. Students scoring within acceptable (700-749) and recommended (750-799) ranges on the HESI Exit Exam demonstrated significantly higher certification pass rates of 79.4% and 86.4%, respectively. The highest pass rates, between 94.5% and 100%, were observed among students scoring 800 or above.
Impact of Program Policies
The findings also highlighted the importance of program policies. Schools that implemented minimum HESI Exit Exam score requirements and mandatory exam preparation saw more favorable ARRT certification exam outcomes. These best-practice approaches suggest that structured policies can enhance student success rates significantly.
Market Access Implications
– Implementing minimum exit exam score requirements can standardize the level of preparedness across different programs, potentially raising the overall quality of radiography professionals entering the market.
– Required test preparation courses offer an additional layer of support, ensuring students are well-prepared, which could lead to a more competent workforce.
– Higher initial certification pass rates can reduce the need for retakes, saving costs for both students and educational institutions, ultimately facilitating smoother market entry for new radiologic technologists.
In conclusion, the HESI Exit Exam proves to be a strong predictor of ARRT certification success, and the adoption of specific program policies enhances these outcomes. These insights could be instrumental for radiography education programs aiming to improve their students’ certification rates and overall market readiness. Further research into additional educational resources and their effects on both exams is recommended to continue advancing radiography education.
Original Article:
Radiol Technol. 2024 Jul;95(6):402-414.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To determine the predictive validity of Health Education Systems Incorporated (HESI) Exit Exam scores for student first-time success on the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam and to analyze whether schools’ policies on the HESI Exit Exam are associated with end-of-program student success.
METHODS: Twenty-five radiography program directors provided retrospective data on ARRT certification exam student outcomes, and 24 program directors completed the HESI Exit Exam program policy survey. Data analysis was performed to examine the correlation between students’ HESI Exit Exam scores and their first-time ARRT certification exam outcomes and to investigate the relationship between program policies and performance on both exams.
RESULTS: First-time ARRT certification exam outcomes were obtained for 1265 program graduates who took the HESI Exit Exam from 2018 through 2021. Students achieving acceptable (700-749) and recommended (750-799) HESI Exit Exam scores exhibited significantly higher certification exam pass rates of 79.4% and 86.4%, respectively. ARRT certification exam pass rates were higher for those scoring 800 or above (94.5-100%). Implementation of a minimum HESI Exit Exam score requirements and a required exam preparation were significantly associated with more favorable ARRT certification exam outcomes.
DISCUSSION: There was a significant positive relationship between higher HESI Exit Exam scores and more successful outcomes on the ARRT certification exam. Two program policies regarding use of the HESI Exit Exam (minimum exit exam score required, required test prep) emerged as best-practice approaches for ARRT certification exam success.
CONCLUSION: The HESI Exit Exam was predictive of success on the ARRT certification exam. The results presented in this study can be used to improve radiography education. Future research on how additional educational resources affect HESI Exit Exam and ARRT certification exam success is warranted.
PMID:39079737
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