Effectiveness of a Retention Program to Improve Performance During the First Semester of a Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.

Background: To meet the expanding need for physical therapists universities are under increasing pressure to enroll, educate, and train physical therapists. Poor academic performance can result in student dismissal from a physical therapy program. The purpose of this study is to determine if implementation of a retention program would improve student academic performance in the foundational science curriculum in a physical therapy program.

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

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.