A Correlational Study between the Length of Internship and 2019 Medical Technology Board Examination Performance

Abstract

Clinical internship established quality indicators that assess the medical technology board examination performance. The goal of improving board examination performance is to improve student outcomes through clinical internship. This study thereby aimed to determine the association between the length of internship and board exam performance of 2019 Medical Technologists Licensure Examination (MTLE) passers and discover their perspectives on the methods of preparation for the 2019 MTLE and adequacy of the length of internship. The study was exclusively conducted online using a validated questionnaire distributed to the respondents using the different social media platforms. Statistical analysis of data was performed using frequency, percentages, p-value, and Spearman's Rho. The study revealed that there is a significant correlation (P-value < 0.05) and very weak negative association (Rho = -0.19 to -0.01) between the two variables. Moreover, the majority who performed average and above in the 2019 MTLE came from the 6-month internship. The study also revealed that MTLE takers from both internship lengths considered clinical internship, use of their notes and books, and enrolling in face-to-face review centers as their methods in preparation for the MTLE. Moreover, the majority of the respondents considered their length of internship adequate to prepare them for the MTLE; however, few from the 6-month internship discerned that the length of their internship was not adequate enough in preparing them for the MTLE. Based on data gathered, the proponents were able to conclude that there is a significant, very weak negative association between the length of internship and the 2019 Medical Technology.