Date
4-29-2026
Department
School of Nursing
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)
Chair
Theresa Pape
Keywords
CASPer in Nurse Anesthesiology Admissions, Situational Judgement Test, CASPer Test as an Admissions Tool for Predicting Academic and Clinical Performance in Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists
Disciplines
Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research | Nursing
Recommended Citation
Acord, Barbara A., "Use of the CASPer Test as an Admissions Test for Predicting Academic and Clinical Performance in Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists: A Predictive Correlational Study" (2026). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 8312.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/8312
Abstract
This quantitative, non-experimental, predictive correlational study examined the extent to which CASPer test scores predict academic and clinical performance among student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs). Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) provide over 80% of anesthesia services in the United States, showing the importance of effective admissions processes to identify candidates most likely to succeed academically and clinically. Traditional admissions criteria in nurse anesthesia programs largely prioritize grades and may underrepresent non-cognitive attributes associated with student success. A convenience sample used a medium effect size, power of .8, and alpha level of .05, with G*Power calculated to be 85 participants 2nd and 3rd-year SRNAs was drawn from Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) nurse anesthesiology programs in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions of the United States. Data collected included CASPer test z-scores, science grade point average (GPA), and clinical performance as indicated by the presence or absence of academic or clinical probation. Demographic variables were age, gender, ethnicity, years of intensive care unit experience, and native language collected via an online survey. CASPer test scores were obtained through a Acuity Insights or through participant-authorized release of academic records from admitting institutions. Data analysis used multiple linear regression and descriptive statistics. The regression coefficients, both predictors significantly predicted the criterion variable the CASPer test scores. Science GPA was a positive predictor of CASPer test scores, B = 1.575, SE = 0.316.
