Physiotherapy Commons^™

Integrating Ai-Enhanced Ultrasound Imaging Into A First-Semester Dpt Course: A Mixed-Methods Study Of Learner Perceptions And Palpation Self-Efficacy, Michael Morgan, Jeb Helms, John Imundi

Health Professions Education

Purpose: Accurate palpation skills and three-dimensional anatomical understanding are foundational outcomes of entry-level physical therapist education; however, novice learners often struggle to translate static anatomical knowledge into applied palpation experiences. Ultrasound imaging (USI) offers real-time visualization of living anatomy, and artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced features may further support novice learners by scaffolding anatomical orientation. The purpose of this study was to examine first-semester Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) learners’ perceptions of AI-enhanced USI integration related to anatomical understanding, palpation self-efficacy, engagement, and perceived relevance to future practice.

Method: A single-group convergent mixed-methods study was conducted with 60 first-semester DPT learners in …

Understanding The Impact Of Admissions Variables On Admissions Diversity: A Single Doctor Of Physical Therapy Program Review, Michael Bourassa, Allison Bourassa, Saurabh Mehta

Health Professions Education

Purpose: The U.S. physical therapy workforce lacks diversity, largely influenced by healthcare program admission procedures that affect student diversity and, in turn, the profession itself. This study aimed to characterize applicants' demographic and educational profiles applying to a single accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy program and examine factors associated with admission outcomes when considering race.

Methods: This retrospective descriptive study analyzed data from 1,409 applicants to the U.S. Doctor of Physical Therapy program from 2017 to 2022. Data from pre-admission applications encompassed demographic details, overall grade point average (GPA), prerequisite GPA, graduate record examination (GRE) scores, average professional reference scores, …

Student Perceptions Of Distance Learning Using Synchronous Videoconferencing In A Campus-Based Physical Therapist Education Program, Evan V. Papa, Derek Gerber, Deanna Dye, Joachim Agamba

Health Professions Education

Purpose: The embrace of technology-mediated learning environments for physical therapist education has perpetuated a natural shift toward blended online and hybrid learning environments. Yet understanding how students in graduate level physical therapy programs perceive distance learning remains unexamined. The purpose of this study was to examine students’ perspectives of a distance learning (DL) course delivered via synchronous videoconferencing within a traditional campus-based doctor of physical therapy (DPT) program. Method: A convenience sample of 150 first year DPT students was collected. All students were present on-campus in Pocatello, and Meridian, Idaho. The instructor was located on-campus in Meridian. Student perceptions were …