21st-century skills among generation Z physical therapy students: a cross-sectional study on associated factors

The emergence of evidence-based practice in healthcare has positioned physical therapy (PT) to play a unique role in the 21st-century. This study aimed to examine the 21st-century skills of PT students and compare them across certain individual and academic characteristics that might be relevant. A total of 407 PT students [median age, 21.0 (20.0/22.0) years] were included in the study. The structured survey form created using Google Forms was sent to the students through messaging apps. The survey comprised questions addressing students’ individual and academic characteristics, along with items from the Multi-Dimensional 21st-Century Skills Scale. PT students demonstrated a good level of 21st-century skills. Male students showed higher scores in information and technology literacy and entrepreneurship and innovation skills, while female students exhibited greater career awareness (p˂0.05). Students who actively participated in social and academic activities displayed higher scores in information and technology literacy, entrepreneurship and innovation, social responsibility and leadership, and career awareness (p˂0.05). Fourth-year students scored higher in information and technology literacy, critical thinking and problem-solving, entrepreneurship and innovation, and social responsibility and leadership skills (p˂0.05). These findings suggest that fostering active engagement in diverse social and academic activities is crucial for holistic skill development and that curriculum design should consider gender-specific strengths to ensure all students are comprehensively prepared for their future careers.