Faculty Sponsor

Jana Stedman

College

College of Nursing & Health Professions (CONHP)

Department/Program

Master of Physician Assistant Studies

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Summer 7-22-2026

Abstract

Objective

The goal of this study was to evaluate academic performance of students in professional healthcare programs utilizing hybrid learning compared to traditional in-person instruction.

Methods

A narrative literature review using Google Scholar was conducted to identify relevant studies. Inclusion criteria consisted of publication since 2019, English full text, and a focus on students in healthcare education programs participating in hybrid or distance learning models. The primary outcomes were measures of academic performance including test scores and board examination pass rates.

Results

Data regarding board pass rates were significantly limited by a lack of statistical analysis. Raw data on hybrid physician assistant programs' board examination pass rates showed a 0.9% difference compared to the national average. Hybrid physical therapy programs' board examination pass rates showed mixed results, with some schools being slightly higher and some slightly lower than the national average, without analysis to determine statistical significance. Studies regarding course performance in health-related professional schools yielded mainly non-significant differences between traditional and hybrid groups, with two studies showing a statistically significant difference favoring hybrid learning.


Conclusion

The results of this review show that students in professional healthcare programs utilizing hybrid learning models demonstrate similar academic performance compared to those in traditional, in-person programs.

Keywords: hybrid learning, traditional learning, healthcare, medical education, board examination

Biographical Information about Author(s)

Amanda Willy has an anticipated graduation date of July 2026 from the Valparaiso University Physician Assistant program. She hopes to work in Allergy and Immunology or General Surgery after graduation. Amanda was inspired to research the topic of "Evaluating Academic Outcomes in Healthcare Students: Hybrid Learning Compared to Traditional Instruction" because she has a special interest in teaching and improving students' educational experiences in professional health programs.

Download

Share

COinS