Following up the physical therapist assistant graduate; a curriculum evaluation process

Area of Science:

• Allied Health Education
• Physical Therapy Practice
• Curriculum Development

Background:

• Assessing the preparedness of physical therapist assistant (PTA) graduates is crucial for ensuring effective healthcare delivery.
• Evaluating and refining PTA program curricula ensures alignment with current job demands and industry standards.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the job preparedness of physical therapist assistant graduates from St. Mary's Junior College.
• To identify potential curriculum revisions for the physical therapist assistant program based on graduate and supervisor feedback.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to working physical therapist assistant graduates and their supervisors.
• The survey assessed the frequency and independence of performance for 111 relevant tasks in physical therapy departments.
• A 90 percent response rate was achieved, providing robust data for analysis.

Main Results:

• The existing St. Mary's physical therapist assistant curriculum was largely deemed appropriate by graduates and supervisors.
• Over 25 percent of supervisors indicated insufficient emphasis on facilitation, breathing, and mat exercises.
• Graduates expressed a desire for expanded knowledge, suggesting more comprehensive training.

Conclusions:

• The physical therapist assistant program at St. Mary's Junior College generally prepares graduates effectively for their roles.
• Targeted curriculum adjustments focusing on specific exercise techniques and broader knowledge expansion could further enhance graduate preparedness.
• A developed manual offers a replicable model for allied health programs to conduct graduate follow-up studies.