University of Missouri PT Graduates’ Perspectives on the Mpta- Survey Data
Background and Purpose: Physical therapist graduates of the University of Missouri (MU) were surveyed regarding their membership and participation in the American and their current state Physical Therapy Associations. The purpose of this presentation is to identify trends in membership by graduates of MU in the national and state professional organization.
Case Description: MU Physical therapist graduates from 1965-2018 were surveyed by email with 119 respondents. Subjects were emailed a 25-question survey. Questions included educational information, membership data, and participation within the state and national level.
Outcomes: • Currently practice in MO? • Yes: 54%
• No: 38%
• Not practicing: 8%
• Did MU PT require APTA/MPTA membership when you were in program? • Yes: 53%
• Currently an APTA/ state member? • Yes: 35%
• Ever been an APTA/state member since graduation? • Yes: 74%
• Did being required to be a member as a student impact you being a member after graduation? • Yes: 26%
• Wasn’t required: 44%
• Member of any other professional organization? • Yes: 16%
• Ever attended your state’s fall or spring meeting? • Yes: 45%
• Ever accessed your state association‘s website? • Yes: 46%
• Follow your state’s PT organization on facebook or twitter? • Yes: 14%
• Donate to your state PT organization’s PAC? • Yes: 14%
• Ever attended your state’s PT Legislative Day? • Yes: 26%
• Access APTA website? • Yes: 57%
• Attended an APTA national meeting? • Yes: 16%
• Utilized CE courses provided online by APTA? • Yes: 44%
• Utilize APTA journals? • Yes: 53%
• Would you require students to join APTA/MPTA? • Yes: 47%
Discussion: Results of this survey suggest that MU PT graduates have a low to moderate participation in state and national associations. They moderately (~50%) access APTA/MPTA resources such as website and journals. Membership as a student does not seem to influence post-graduate membership. Recommendation of student membership is currently split (47 yes, 53% no).