Preparation for the twenty-first century: the educational challenge

In this Presidential Address, I have presented 11 goals for our education programs that are essential to preparation for the twenty-first century. I strongly value the profession of physical therapy and the services we provide to this society. Most of all, I value our education programs and our academicians, without whose efforts none of us would be gathered here today. Early in this Address, I indicated my belief that our education programs have an awesome influence on this profession. But the goals proposed for the twenty-first century pose a challenge to all physical therapists. I make this challenge to academicians, clinical practitioners, educational institutions, and the APTA at all levels. It is imperative that we all join together to identify ways to support, strengthen, and improve our modes of professional education for the twenty-first century. We must do so in pursuit of the educational excellence that has been our consistent endeavor and hallmark for more than 68 years.