A Study on AI Digital Competency and the Perceived Need for AI Utilization Education among Physical Therapy Students

Purpose This study aimed to examine AI digital competency and the perceived need for AI utilization education among physical therapy students and to analyze the relationship between the two variables. Methods This crosssectional correlational survey was conducted with 232 physical therapy students at S University using an online survey. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis. Results The mean score for AI digital competency was 3.48±0.57, with communication and collaboration showing the highest score at 3.84±0.62 and digital content creation showing the lowest score at 3.03±0.71. The mean score for the perceived need for AI utilization education was 3.91±0.71. AI digital competency was positively correlated with the perceived need for AI utilization education (r=0.320, p<.001). Conclusion These results suggest the need for systematic educational support to help physical therapy students effectively use AI in majorrelated learning and clinical problemsolving.