Student perceived competence in direct access to physical therapy in a doctor of physical therapy program at a...

Physical therapists provide care via direct access in many states. Greater perceived competence with direct access among graduating physical therapists is critical. The purpose of this study was to assess student physical therapists' perceived competence with direct access.A survey instrument was created to determine levels of perceived competence at three phases of the physical therapy curriculum. The Friedman two-way ANOVA by ranks was used to assess differences between year one, year two, and year three responses for each individual survey question and the overall survey score.Total survey score demonstrated significant increased student perceived competence with direct access to physical therapy care direct access from year one total to year two (p = .018), year one to year three (p = .005), and year two to year three (p = .016).More favorable attitudes among graduating physical therapists may have an influence on primary care for musculoskeletal conditions.