DEVELOPING A PHYSICAL THERAPY PROGRAM WITH EMPHASIS ON INCREASING ACCESSIBILITY FOR RURAL AND UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES

The lack of physical therapists (PTs) in rural areas is a significant concern facing the profession and the public.As rural populations experience higher rates of chronic disease, physical limitations, and injury, the need for physical therapy (PT) services has become critical.Although there is an expansion of Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs across the nation, few are focused on enhancing the supply of PTs in rural and underserved areas, where they are needed most.This has led to regional disparities with urban regions experiencing oversupply while rural areas continue to suffer from a shortage of PTs and other healthcare professionals.Most DPT programs focus on urban settings, making clinicians less prepared to practice in rural areas.The purpose of this paper is to describe the critical components of a DPT program developed at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU) that intentionally focuses on educating future PTs to work in rural and underserved communities throughout the Northwest using a recruit-educate-return model.PNWU's founding belief was that students selected with an interest in rural and underserved care are likely to stay in the area where they are educated once they reach independent professional status.Students complete one of three full-time clinicals in a rural or medically underserved area.PT clinics located at two different federally qualified healthcare centers were also established for hands-on exposure.In addition, students participate in a community-based student-run pro-bono clinic established on campus to provide needed services for under or uninsured clients with neurological impairments.