A Profile of Faculty Development in Physical Therapy Education Programs

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to report on the status of faculty development in physical therapy education programs. A survey questionnaire was sent to the directors of 110 physical therapy programs nationwide. Analysis of responses from respondents (n = 79; 72%) demonstrated 1) criteria used to evaluate faculty members were similar among different institutions, 2) fewer than half of the institutions have a faculty development plan (FDP), 3) the majority of those institutions that have an FDP supported similar areas and activities to facilitate faculty development, and 4) respondents used creative ways to support faculty development. The results appear to indicate that most physical therapy programs do not have a formalized program to assist faculty members in their development of skills in research, teaching and service.