Date of Award

1997

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Physical Therapy (MPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Beverly Johnson

Keywords

Physical Therapy -- education -- North Dakota

Abstract

Evaluation in physical therapy programs is necessary for reassessing and updating curricula to meet the changing needs of the profession and Accreditation Standards. This study addresses program evaluation within the University of North Dakota Department of Physical Therapy (UND-PT).

Questionnaires were developed and mailed to the 1994 UND-PT graduates, and their employers and patients in November, 1995. This study formalizes the data collected from these questionnaires and identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the UND-PT program as it relates to curriculum.

Twenty-four of the graduate questionnaires were returned for a response rate of 52%. The returned employer questionnaires represented 27 graduates. Twenty-one percent of the patient questionnaires were returned.

Fifty-four percent of the respondents to the graduate questionnaire practiced in North Dakota or Wyoming. The majority (70%) of the respondents to the employer questionnaire also practiced in North Dakota or Wyoming.

Respondents to the graduate questionnaire were asked to assess their competency level. Graduates reported being competent in 90% of the items on the questionnaire. Graduates indicated they were satisfied with the UND-PT lecture and laboratory coursework, clinical affiliations, and faculty.

Employers of the UND-PT graduates indicated graduates were competent to practice in a clinical setting. Patients of these graduates reported being satisfied with the treatment they received. Ninety-four percent of the items on the patient questionnaire received favorable ratings relative to patient satisfaction or appropriate care.

Data collected from these questionnaires may aid in curriculum retention and/or revision. Data will be used to establish a baseline for future comparisons. Decision making relative to changes will be the responsibility of the UND-PT faculty.

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