Assessment of a curricular component designed to introduce physical therapy students to rural practice issues

A rural health curricular component was designed for students enrolled in a physical therapy program in Nevada to change student attitudes about rural practice and to encourage more physical therapy students to seek employment in rural areas postgraduation. Student attitudes and beliefs related to rural practice were investigated following participation in a rural health conference and a full-time rural clinical affiliation. Twelve students (N = 12) participated. All reported positive impressions of rural practice after participating in the rural clinical affiliation and nine (75%) were favorable toward seeking employment in a rural setting. Two (17%) accepted rural health positions following graduation. Clinical experience in a rural setting was found to have the greatest influence on student attitudes about rural practice.