A statistical analysis of the South African National board examinations for intern medical technologists for the periods 2008-2012

Abstract

Abstract: The main role of the Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists of South Africa (SMLTSA) is to promote and regulate the profession of Medical Laboratory Technology in South Africa (S.A.). The National board examinations for Intern Medical Technologists (MTIN) are co-ordinated by the SMLTSA on behalf of the Health Professional Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Passing these examinations is the qualifying criterion for a career in Medical Laboratory Technology. This qualification in Biomedical Technology is unique to S.A. and as such literature regarding the performances of MTIN in the National board examinations is very limited. Objective: No previous research has been conducted to investigate the performances of MTIN in the National board examinations. For that reason, the examination scores for the periods 2008 to 2012 were analysed for variances in mean scores of MTIN who did their internship at different training laboratories, and who studied at different Higher Educational Institutions (HEI’s) as well as results of MTIN from the province of Gauteng, who specialised in four different disciplines. An analysis of the pass rate for the country was also done. Method: The One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson Chi-square test were used to detect statistical significant differences in mean performance scores between these groups. Differences were considered significant at a p-value of <0.05 Results: Several statistical significant differences in performance scores between groups were uncovered. Conclusion: Statistical findings indicated poor overall performances in these examinations for the periods 2008 to 2012. It is therefore suggested that an in depth investigation be implemented into the suitability of higher education training and the adequacy of Internship programmes offered by training laboratories