Date of Award

10-19-1995

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Teaching & Learning

First Advisor

Richard G. Landry

Abstract

Program evaluation to measure and enhance educational quality has only recently been promoted within physical therapy (PT) education. Program evaluation is now part of Accreditation Standards.The University of North Dakota Department of Physical Therapy (UND-PT) has instituted program evaluation research via the graduate survey. A three-part questionnaire was mailed to graduates from 1970 through 1992. Five hundred forty-seven questionnaires were returned, for a response rate of 77.5%.Seventy percent of respondents were female, with a mean age of 35.1 years. Fifty percent of respondents live in the Upper Midwest. The remaining practice in 37 states and Canada. The majority practice in hospitals and treat primarily orthopedic clientele. Fifty-eight percent were APTA members. Nineteen percent have graduate degrees, and 15% have specialty certifications.As indicated by the Job Descriptive Index, respondents were satisfied with Work, Pay, Supervision, People, and the Job-in-General; they were dissatisfied with the Opportunity for Promotion. Private practitioners were most satisfied with the Job-in-General. Clinical PT staff and clinical supervisors were most dissatisfied with the Opportunity for Promotion. Therapists employed in extended care were least satisfied with Work; those in extended care or hospitals were most satisfied with Pay. Therapists in academic institutions, private practice, or extended care were most satisfied with the Opportunity for Promotion. Therapists employed in extended care were least satisfied with People (Co-workers).Recent graduates (1991 and 1992) rated UND-PT positively. They were satisfied with their academic preparation, coursework, clinical affiliations, and the faculty.Respondents predict the future role of the PT will be that of evaluator, consultant, manager, and supervisor. Treatment will focus on education, prevention, and wellness. Patients will be seen for less time and fewer visits. Accountability will increase and research is needed. Reimbursement will be more difficult; managed care will influence services. Outpatient and home health care will increase.This program evaluation research has implications for other PT and PTA education programs. The process and questionnaire provide templates for methodology. The results may help define future research questions. The research has immediate implications for UND-PT as the results provide rationale for curriculum retention and/or revision.

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