Comparing the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination Pass Rate of Graduates From Programs Utilizing Distance Education to the National Average

Abstract

Purpose The goal of this study was to compare the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) pass rate of graduates from physician assistant (PA) programs utilizing distance education to the national average of PANCE pass rates.Methods The Physician Assistant Education Association online PA program directory was used to obtain the name and number of physician assistant (PA) programs that offered distance education in their curriculum. The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants PANCE Exam Performance Summary Report was reviewed for each PA program that offered distance education. The 5-year first-time taker mean pass rate for all PA programs offering distance education was calculated and compared to the 5-year national first-time taker average for all PA programs in the United States over the same 5-year period. ResultsThe mean 5-year first-time taker pass rate for PA programs offering distance education was 96.9%. The 5year national first-time taker average pass rate for all PA programs was 96.0%. ConclusionThe results of this study show that graduates from PA programs utilizing distance education are effectively prepared to pass the PANCE and do so at a rate that is higher than the national mean for all PA programs.

Broadening the Discussion Beyond the Impact of Hybrid Learning

“…In support of this assertion, the point is made that, thus far, there is evidence to indicate that hybrid model PA program graduates do not differ in Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) scores as compared to graduates of traditional-model PA programs. 2 There are multiple advantages that would accompany a wider transition to a PA hybrid curriculum. A hybrid online curriculum offers flexibility in location and diminishes students' financial burden.…”

“…In support of this assertion, the point is made that, thus far, there is evidence to indicate that hybrid model PA program graduates do not differ in Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) scores as compared to graduates of traditional-model PA programs. 2…”

Why Hybrid Programs Are the Future of Physician Assistant Education

“…8 A study by the Case Western Reserve University PA program also found that students in a flipped classroom spent 57.1 minutes more preparing for class and performed better on clinical vignettes compared to those in a traditional lecture-based program. 3 A study by Forbes et al 9 showed that PA programs using distance education had a 96.9% five-year first-time pass rate on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam, outperforming the national average of all PA programs by 0.9%. Finally, a review of Ugandan medical students studying emergency medicine remotely showed that educational outcomes for these learners were equivalent to students who received classroom-based instruction and that the remote-based students readily accepted the online format of learning.…”

Characteristics of Hybrid Learning Among Health Professions Programs: A Mixed-Methods Study

“…7 A few studies comparing outcomes to date have shown no significant differences for physician assistant (PA) programs that included distance learning education; however, these studies have focused primarily on Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) outcomes and included a diverse mixture of curricular delivery for the distance learning component. 8,9 It is relevant for PA educators to understand the landscape of hybrid PA education and how this educational design may shape the future of PA graduates. While hybrid education is a growing trend in health professions, little is known about characteristics, design, drivers, and outcomes in the PA profession.…”

“…7 A few studies comparing outcomes to date have shown no significant differences for physician assistant (PA) programs that included distance learning education; however, these studies have focused primarily on Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) outcomes and included a diverse mixture of curricular delivery for the distance learning component. 8,9…”