Is the ASVAB ST composite score a reliable predictor of first-attempt graduation for the U.S. army operating room specialist course?

Abstract

The U.S. Army Operating Room Specialist (68D) Course provides first class medical technician training to U.S. Army enlisted soldiers of the Army Medical Command. With a failure rate of approximately 12% over a 2-year period, this study was commissioned to determine whether the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) skilled technical (ST) Score served as a reliable predictor for successful first-attempt completion of the 68D course. A sample size of 373 was analyzed via a multivariate binary logistic regression model with 6 distinct independent variables. This study found that the ASVAB ST score, gender, and rank were predictors to first-attempt successful completion of the 68D training program. Specifically, students with an ST score 10 points higher than their peers were 5 times more likely to graduate. In addition, females were 2.5 times more likely to succeed than males and Army Privates (E2) were 3.2 times more likely than Privates (E1). Specialists, Corporals (E4), Sergeants (E5), and Staff Sergeants (E6) combined, were 34 times more likely to succeed than E1s. Although further study may be warranted, increasing the minimum ST score requirement in the admission guidelines and/or specific preventive assistance for lower-ranked students may decrease the first-attempt failure rate. © Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S. All rights reserved.