Date
4-18-2025
Department
School of Nursing
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)
Chair
Elizabeth Whorley
Keywords
college algebra, GPA, nursing, student success, TEAS
Disciplines
Education | Nursing
Recommended Citation
Kerchner, Jeanna L., "The Ability of Algebra Final Grades and TEAS Scores to Predict Undergraduate Nursing Student Grade Point Averages: A Quantitative, Non-Experimental, Predictive Correlational Study" (2025). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 6689.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/6689
Abstract
A major concern for many nursing programs is student completion rates. This is due in large part to the demands and rigor of curriculum in accredited nursing programs. The purpose of this quantitative, non-experimental, predictive correlational study was to determine if final nursing program GPA can be predicted by the linear combination of college algebra final grades and TEAS scores in an undergraduate nursing program at a private university. A quantitative, non-experimental research design was used to address the proposed study’s purpose. The study’s sample of participants was purposive and convenient in nature, and was accessed using an existing, archival data set compromised of participant nursing program grade point average (GPA), Algebra, and TEAS scores. The study’s data set was representative of the six most current academic years ranging from 2018 to spring 2024 with a sample size of N = 160. Two research questions are stated to address the study’s purpose. Study data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Multiple linear regression was used to determine the relationship between the criterion variable (final nursing program GPA) and the predictor variables (final college algebra grade and TEAS scores). The null hypothesis for both research questions was rejected. The results of the analysis were statistically significant supporting the association between college algebra, TEAS, and nursing student success as evidence by nursing program GPA. The current study reveals new knowledge linking college algebra to nursing student success and being considered in nursing program admission criteria. Recommendations for further research include conducting similar research at a larger public baccalaureate program and an associate’s degree in nursing program.
