Institutional Prestige and Prerequisite Performance as Predictors of Academic Success in Doctor of Physical Therapy Programs: A Pilot Retrospective Cohort Study

Purpose: This pilot study examined relationships between Carnegie Classification levels of undergraduate institutions, prerequisite anatomy and physiology (AP) performance, and academic success in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) education. Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed records from 83 students who graduated from a single DPT program in 2019. Data included Carnegie Classifications of prerequisite institutions, undergraduate anatomy and physiology grade point average (UGPA AP 1&2 GPA), first-term pathophysiology course grade (Patho GPA), and Doctor of Physical Therapy program grade point average (DPT GPA). Statistical analyses included Spearman rank order correlation (rs) and Kruskal-Wallis tests with effect size calculations. Power analysis indicated 80% power to detect medium-to-large effects only. Results: No statistically significant relationships were found between Carnegie Classification levels and DPT performance measures (all P > 0.05, negligible effect sizes). Undergraduate AP1&2 GPA showed non-significant correlations with Patho GPA (rs = 0.058, P = 0.049) and DPT GPA (rs = 0.058, P = 0.051). Pathophysiology GPA demonstrated a strong correlation with the DPT GPA (rs = 0.641, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Carnegie Classification levels of prerequisite institutions did not significantly influence DPT program performance. These preliminary findings suggest prerequisite institution choice may be guided by practical considerations without compromising academic preparation, though larger multi-institutional studies are needed to confirm these results and detect smaller effect sizes.