Date of Award

1995

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Physical Therapy (MPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Beverly Johnson

Keywords

Pharmacology -- education; Physical Therapy -- education

Abstract

The purpose of this survey research is to document the current status of education in pharmacology in the curriculum of entry-level physical therapy programs. A questionnaire was sent to the 135 entry-level physical therapy programs located in the United States and accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association. The director or faculty member responsible for pharmacology instruction in 96 (71.1 %) of the entry-level physical therapy programs participated in the five-part survey.

The questionnaire results indicate that nearly all of the program respondents (98.9%) incorporate pharmacology content into existing required courses and/or have in his or her curriculum a required course specifically in pharmacology. The majority of the respondents (61.5%) perceive their program adequately covers the topic of pharmacology for the entry-level physical therapy graduate. The lack of time or space within an existing curriculum was the most frequently listed factor prohibiting improvement. Suggestions for improving future entry-level physical therapy education in pharmacology are given.

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