Final-Year Doctor of Physical Therapy Student Preferences for Employment and Postprofessional Education: An...

This study aimed to identify the most preferred factors in job offers and postprofessional continuing education (CE) for final-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students entering the workforce.

There is increasing concern regarding the physical therapy (PT) workforce in the United States. The profession is experiencing high rates of burnout, record numbers of PTs leaving the field, and a general inadequacy in maintaining a sufficiently large workforce to meet the growing demand for PT services.

Convenience sample (n = 219; 18 states) of final-year DPT students in the United States (9 DPT programs).

For this study, a cross-sectional survey was designed consisting of 3 sections that collected data on student demographics, employment preferences, and postprofessional CE preferences upon graduation.

When considering a job offer, most students (100 students, 46%) prioritized base pay, while 77 (35%) favored company culture. Nearly all DPT students (92.3%) expressed interest in pursuing postprofessional CE, including options like clinical specialty certification (29.9%), board certification (21.9%), and residency (11%). Preferences for postprofessional CE delivery were divided equally between online and in-person training.

Findings from our convenience sample of final-year DPT students suggest that they prioritized higher base pay. However, they were not as interested in financial incentives linked to conditions that could restrict their work schedule flexibility. They preferred to find an employer whose values and work culture align with their own to minimize the risk of burnout. Finally, most respondents reported wanting to further their education, including mentorship opportunities, and preferred a balanced learning approach that included both online and in-person components.