Marketability of Physical Therapists With a Postprofessional Degree Earned Through Distance Education

Abstract

Background and Purpose. The nontraditional or distance learning model gained considerable attention in the latter half of the 20th century. Through a program of independent study projects, competencies, and thesis or dissertation completion, health care professionals recently have been able to engage in full-time clinical practice while concurrently pursuing further education. The full-time clinician who obtains a postprofessional (advanced) degree via distance education, therefore, has the potential to bridge the gap between clinical professionals and full-time faculty members provided that this education is accepted by those educated in more traditional ways. This study examined the marketability of physical therapists with additional advanced degree training earned through distance education within the academic environment. Methods. Survey questionnaires were mailed to the program directors of all accredited physical therapist education programs in the United States and Puerto Rico. Type of institution hiring faculty, area of academic study, and extent of distance education within a curriculum were considered major variables. Results. Of the 174 program directors surveyed, 89 (51%) responded. Twenty-two respondents (25%) reported that at least one faculty member was in the process of completing a postprofessional degree through distance education. Full courses offered through distance education were being considered by 41 (46%) of physical therapist programs, and 16 (18%) were considering a full-degree program through distance education. Faculty candidates educated through traditional programs were viewed by respondents as more qualified than faculty candidates educated through distance means. In addition, faculty candidates with degrees in education, business administration, and public health/policy earned through distance education were viewed more favorably than those with distance-earned degrees in clinical or basic science. Respondents working for nonresearch institutions viewed physical therapists with distance-earned advanced degrees more favorably than did those working in research institutions. Seventy-five percent of recruitment efforts focused on individuals with advanced degrees in clinical or basic science. Conclusion. Despite the positive level of acceptability for faculty candidates with advanced distance-earned degrees in education, business administration, or public health/policy, 75% of the current and anticipated greatest human resources needs for physical therapist programs (eg, basic science and clinical science) were the 2 fields of study least likely to be favorably received if completed through distance education.