Profile of physical therapy educators in five countries

Physical therapy educators in Australia, Britain and Ireland, New Zealand, Nigeria, and South Africa were surveyed to develop a profile of physical therapy educators in these countries and to permit comparison with data on US and Canadian educators. Faculty members (N = 154) from 18 programs responded to a questionnaire consisting of 22 items related to education, experience, and professional activities. Most of the respondents (79%) held an entry-level qualification at the diploma or certificate level, and compared with US educators, a much lower percentage held academic degrees of any kind. Similarities between the respondents and US and Canadian educators were found in percentages of women, of those under 40 years of age, of those currently enrolled in academic programs, and of those with tenure; differences were found in hours spent teaching and number of faculty members who had published in the last two years. Understanding these similarities and differences may facilitate international faculty exchange programs and employment.