Perceptions of PTA Program Directors on Past and Predicted Program Changes and Impacts
Purpose/Hypothesis:
There have been many recent changes within physical therapist assistant (PTA) education including changes involving accreditation, clinical site availability, the number of PTA programs, and changes to the FSBPT-PTA NPTE Blueprint. How these changes have impacted PTA Programs and how they may impact programs in the future has not been studied. The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of PTA program directors on how various factors have impacted PTA programs over the past five years how these factors may impact programs over the next five years.
Number of Subjects: 183
Materials and Methods:
A link to an online survey was emailed to the program directors of all 369 CAPTE accredited PTA programs. Subjects completed a survey which consisted of demographic information as well as questions asking how CAPTE Standards, the FSBPT NPTE-PTA blueprint, clinical site availability, the increase in the number of PTA programs, institutional factors, and state education regulations have impacted programs over the past five years, and the prediction on how these factors may impact programs over the next five years. Subjects were also asked how program element/outcomes (number and quality of applicants; retention and graduation rates; graduate employment rates; clinical site variety and availability; and full-time employment opportunities for graduates) have changed over the past five years, and how these elements/outcomes are predicted to change over the next five years. 183 surveys were returned (response rate of 49.6%).
Results:
Subjects were asked to rate how different elements have impacted their programs over the past five years and how these elements may impact their programs over the next five years. A majority of subjects reported no change to their programs over the past five years for all potential impact items. 40.3% of subjects stated changes to CAPTE standards have had a negative impact on their programs; 32% of subjects stated changes in the FSBPT PTA-Blueprint have had a negative impact on their programs; and 9.4% of subjects stated clinical site availability has had a negative impact on their program.
A majority of subjects predicted no change to their programs due to any of the surveyed elements over the next five years. 35.4% of subjects predicted that changes to CAPTE standards will have a negative impact on their program; 29.8% of subjects predicted that changes in the FSBPT PTA-Blueprint will have a negative impact on their program; and 14.4% of subjects stated institutional factors will have a negative impact on their program.
A majority of programs stated that over the past five years they have had a decrease in the number and quality of program applicants; a decrease in student retention and graduation rates; a decrease in graduate employment and full-time employment graduate opportunities; and a decrease in clinical site availability and variety. A majority of subjects also predicted a further decrease in these elements/outcomes over the next five years.
Conclusions: A majority of subjects stated that there has not been and there will not be either either a positive or negative change to their programs due to all survey elements. A majority of PTA programs may be having challenges in regard to the number and quality of applicants; student retention and graduation rates; graduate employment opportunities; as well as clinical site availability and variety. Further research is recommended to determine how these potential challenges are impacting the success and sustainability of PTA educational programs.
Clinical Relevance: Elements which may negatively impact PTA Programs could effect clinical site variety and availability, as well as the ability of programs to appropriate prepare students for entry-level practice as PTAs.