An Analysis of the HESI A2 Examination as a Predictor of Persistence in the Radiography Program at Chippewa Valley Technical College

Plan BStudents graduating from allied health programs, such as radiography, are in high demand to fulfill workforce needs. The program’s goal is to graduate as many qualified students as possible. In addition, nationally accredited radiography programs are required to meet specific benchmarks related to items such as program completion rate. The purpose of this study was to analyze the Health Education Systems, Inc. Admission Assessment (HESI A2) examination scores as a predictor of persistence of students in the Chippewa Valley Technical College radiography program. The data was collected ex post facto and contained HESI A2 exam scores from program students in cohorts from 2019 to 2022. Students’ GPA of select required program general education courses and socioeconomic status were analyzed in relation to the HESI A2 exam scores. A regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between independent and dependent variables. The results of this study attempted to explain the relationship between HESI A2 exam scores and student persistence in the radiography program, the relationship between the HESI A2 exam and GPA of select required general education courses, and the relationship between the HESI A2 exam and socioeconomic status of the students. The findings from this study emphasize the importance of the HESI A2 exam as a predictor of persistence in the radiography program. In conclusion, the research study provides program faculty and administration necessary information to continue to rely on the HESI A2 exam scores as a prerequisite for program entry