What does the clinical doctorate in physical therapy mean for rural communities?

The transition to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) as the entry-level degree for physical therapists in the United States is nearly complete. Little is known about how the transition has affected the characteristics of the physical therapy workforce or the provision of physical therapy services. Effects may be particularly acute in rural communities with persistent health-care provider shortages. The study objectives were to explore the early impact of the DPT on the supply and quality of physical therapy care in rural areas and to identify issues for future research.

Qualitative and quantitative data were collected through semi-structured telephone interviews. The interview subjects were education programme directors, directors of physical therapy at rural hospitals and presidents of state physical therapy associations.

The respondents provided little evidence that the DPT has had a significant impact on the supply or quality of physical therapy in rural areas thus far. There are problems with the supply of physical therapists in rural communities, but few respondents attributed this directly to the DPT. Few respondents believed the DPT has improved the quality of physical therapy care in rural settings, noting that experience was the main factor that contributed to quality of care. However, several respondents believed the DPT may impact the supply and quality of rural physical therapy in the future; about half were concerned about the potential for negative effects on the supply of physical therapists in rural areas.

In general, the respondents did not indicate that the DPT has had large effects on rural health care. However, future research should consider the negative and positive effects that may occur as DPT therapists make up a larger share of the workforce. Further, there are several areas where increased collaboration could be mutually beneficial to physical therapy educators, practitioners and rural communities.