Comparison of Characteristics and Attitudes of Entry-Level Bachelor's and Master's Degree Students in Physical Therapy

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the relationships between type of entry-level education and selected student variables. Students in their final year of education in entry-level bachelor's and master's degree programs in the United States (N = 766) participated in the study. Questionnaires were mailed to these students, who represented 22 entry-level physical therapy programs selected at random from the December 1991 issue of Physical Therapy. Two-tailed t tests for independent means and chi-square analyses were performed to determine statistical significance for interval data and categorical data, respectively. Five hundred twelve surveys were returned, for a response rate of 66.8%. Master's degree respondents anticipated greater involvement in research and teaching and felt better prepared to practice across a broad spectrum of clinical practice and to perform activities related to research, teaching, management, and direct access practice. Baccalaureate programs, however, appeared to attract a greater percentage of minority individuals (14.9% versus 5.8%, respectively). These results suggest that differences exist between entry-level bachelor's and master's degree students in physical therapy. Findings of this study may have implications for curriculum planning, recruitment and scholarship efforts, and policy formation in physical therapy education.