Reasons identified for seeking the American Physical Therapy Association-Credentialed Clinical Instructor Program...

Area of Science:

• Physical therapy education
• Clinical instructor credentialing

Background:

• The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) aims to increase the number of credentialed clinical instructors.
• As of 2012, 39,851 healthcare providers held APTA credentials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify reasons for attending the APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor Program (CCIP).
• To determine pre-CCIP learning goals.
• To assess post-CCIP learning outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A pre/post survey was administered to 301 participants across 21 APTA CCIP courses in Florida (2009-2011).
• Surveys included demographics, forced-choice, and open-ended questions.
• Quantitative data were summarized, and qualitative data were analyzed for themes and triangulated.

Main Results:

• Participants overwhelmingly recommend the APTA CCIP, citing employer support and geographic convenience.
• Pre-course goals comprised 5 overarching themes.
• Post-course outcomes yielded 12 specific themes with multiple subthemes.

Conclusions:

• APTA CCIP-credentialed clinical instructors achieve immediately applicable learning outcomes.
• The program effectively enhances clinical education preparation.