An Analysis of Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy Degrees for the Department of Defense
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to survey DoD physical therapists for their opinions of tDPT programs and compare the costs of several courses of action (COAs). The majority of DoD therapists are credentialed at the graduate level. However, the American Physical Therapy Association vision states that by 2020 physical therapy will be provided by therapists who are doctors of physical therapy. A survey of DoD therapists was conducted to describe the attitudes, opinions, and resources available within the population. Descriptive statistics were computed for the sample. The results were used to create three COAs that were analyzed for cost and feasibility. Two-hundred and two DoD surveys were returned for a response rate of 49%. Sixty four percent of respondents were considering enrolling in a tDPT program and were willing to pay an average of $7,398. Time and cost were the two most frequent factors involved in selecting a tDPT program. Several options were identified as cost effective. This study represents a critical first step in the DoD to describe its physical therapist population. It was used to develop and assess various COAs designed to meet the APTA's vision and sustain the DoD's competitive advantage.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA432730
Entities
People
- J. M. Stang
Organizations
- Academy of Health Sciences