Initiating Clinical Doctoral Education in Physical Therapy: The Case of Creighton University

Abstract

This article describes the developmental processes underlying the implementation of the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Creighton University. Creighton University established the first professional (entry-level) UPT program in physical therapy. An explanatory case study was used to frame the analysis of specific decisions and key events. A case study database was created using documentation, archival records, interviews with key decision makers, and authors' experiences as participant observers. Critical factors in the development of this program included institutional and school leadership, institutional commitment and capacity, contributions of key educational leaders in physical therapy, a strong institutional mission consistent with work of health care professions, and a strong faculty belief system focused on the key role of clinical doctoral education for preparation of a professional physical therapist. Key Words: Clinical doctoral education, Physical therapy. INTRODUCTION In 1985, Geneva Johnson, PT, PhD, FAPTA, in the 20th Mary McMillan Lecture, advocated for the development of the clinical or professional doctorate for the first professional degree for physical therapists: Changes in education are key to full professional status.... I expect us to develop the professional doctorate in physical therapy as a standard for entry-level education within the next five years.1(pp1693-1694) During this time, physical therapy education was in the midst of transition from the baccalaureate degree level to the master's degree level. The Education Division of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) did not initiate widespread discussion on doctoral education until the late 1980s. The 1989 Report on Doctoral Education clarified distinctions between PhD programs, designed to prepare scholars, and professional or clinical doctoral (DPT) programs, designed to prepare students for entry into the profession. The report also included recommendations for continued discussion within the physical therapy community on doctoral education.2 In 1993, Creighton University initiated the first professional (entry-level) physical therapist program that would lead to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree upon completion. This article is an explanatory case study focused on analysis of the critical factors and influences that led to the planning and implementation of the DPT program at Creighton University. CASE STUDY METHOD Case study methodology can be used to illuminate a decision or set of decisions surrounding a specific process or program.3 In this instance, the case is focused on the development and implementation of the DPT program at Creighton University. The explanatory case will focus on why decisions were made and how decisions were implemented leading to the realization of the initial DPT program. Data Sources Data sources for the case study database included: (1) documentation that included letters, memoranda, agendas, meeting minutes, written reports, and administrative documents such as progress reports and proposals; (2) archival records that included organizational and institutional records; (3) selected interviews with key decision makers in the process; and (4) participant observation of authors who were all involved at various times in program development and implementation. Case Study Creation Three core principles were followed in the creation of the case study. First was the use of multiple sources of evidence, second was the creation of a case study database, and third was the maintenance of a chain of evidence. A chain of evidence means that one goes beyond single sources of data and looks for connections and patterns of evidence across the data sources.3 Review of the case for verification of assertions and interpretations was done by selected key stakeholders and decision makers. Case Descriptive Framework One analytic strategy for case study creation is development of a descriptive framework for organizing the case. …