Predictors of success on Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing certification board examinations: a regression study of academic factors.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive validity of selected programmatic factors of a Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing Education Program (WOCNEP) on graduates' success when completing their certification examinations.

SUBJECTS AND SETTING

First-time certification examination candidates over a 10-year period graduating from 1 WOCNEP located in the northeastern section of the United States comprised the sample.

METHODS

Logistic regression analyses were used to determine the predictive value of academic factors (entry-level grade point average [GPA], test scores from the 2 WOCNEP courses, scores in a comprehensive final examination, and scores on the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Board [WOCNCB] self-assessment examinations). Program format (on-site vs online study) was not analyzed due to the small online sample size.

RESULTS

The predictive power of academic factors for WOCNCB certification success is similar to findings in published literature. Entry-level GPA, 4 course examination test scores, comprehensive final examination score, and 3 self-assessment examination (SAE) tests accounted for 56% of the variance in successful passing of the WOCNCB examinations (χ2 = 25.98, P < .01, R = 0.56). Entry-level GPA (R = 0.18, P < .01) and performance in course work (4 test scores) (R = 0.31, P < .01) were the strongest predictors.

CONCLUSIONS

Study findings suggest that entry-level GPA and achievement in academic course work are most predictive of successful completion of WOCNCB certification examination.