A Comparison Study of Physical Therapy Program Directors in the United States Tamara Nancy Gravano Marshall University, [email protected]
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Marshall University Marshall Digital Scholar Theses, Dissertations and Capstones 2017 Career Paths, Barriers, and Professional Experiences: A Comparison Study of Physical Therapy Program Directors in the United States Tamara Nancy Gravano Marshall University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://mds.marshall.edu/etd Part of the Educational Leadership Commons, Higher Education Commons, Higher Education Administration Commons, and the Physical Therapy Commons Recommended Citation Gravano, Tamara Nancy, "Career Paths, Barriers, and Professional Experiences: A Comparison Study of Physical Therapy Program Directors in the United States" (2017). Theses, Dissertations and Capstones. 1132. https://mds.marshall.edu/etd/1132 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by Marshall Digital Scholar. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses, Dissertations and Capstones by an authorized administrator of Marshall Digital Scholar. For more information, please contact [email protected], [email protected]. CAREER PATHS, BARRIERS, AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES: A COMPARISON STUDY OF PHYSICAL THERAPY PROGRAM DIRECTORS IN THE UNITED STATES A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of the Marshall University Graduate College In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education in Leadership Studies by Tamara Nancy Gravano, PT, DPT Approved by Dr. Dennis M. Anderson, Committee Chairperson Dr. Louis Watts Dr. Marilyn Moffat Marshall University October 2017 ii © 2017 Tamara Nancyiii Gravano ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The dissertation journey is a process of discovery about a specific topic, as well as a discovery about oneself. I want to thank all the people who helped me along this journey. First, I wish to thank my husband, Alan, whose support I relied upon to keep me focused and on task. I know how much he missed spending time with me while I was taking classes, completing assignments, and writing this dissertation. Alan was a source of comfort and guidance for me and I appreciate the sacrifices he made over the years in order to allow me to further my education. I also thank my dissertation committee, whose patience seemed unlimited, especially as I neared completion. I value each of their unique points of view as they advised me every step of the way. I also thank my family, friends, peers, and colleagues who never lost confidence in my ability to complete my journey. Of special note is the faculty from my entry-level physical therapy program, who predicted that I might one day seek an academic doctoral degree. The faculty at University of Miami Department of Physical Therapy planted the seed, and offered continuous support for my development as a scholar. It is with my deepest gratitude that I offer thanks to everyone who believed in me and helped me discover my passion for scholarship in higher education. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS List of Tables ............................................................................................................................... viii List of Figures ................................................................................................................................ ix Abstract ........................................................................................................................................... x Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................... 1 Review ............................................................................................................................................ 2 CAPTE Data on Demographics of PT Program Directors ........................................................ 3 CAPTE Data on Terminal Degrees of PT Program Directors…………………………………7 CAPTE Data on Masters Degrees and Specialist Credentials ................................................. 11 Specialization of Current PT Program Directors ..................................................................... 15 Statement of the Problem. ............................................................................................................. 18 Research Question. ....................................................................................................................... 20 Purpose Statement. ........................................................................................................................ 20 Operational Definitions ................................................................................................................. 21 Significance of the Study .............................................................................................................. 24 Statement of Research Methods ................................................................................................... 24 Summary ...................................................................................................................................... 25 Chapter 2 LITERATURE REVIEW ............................................................................................. 26 Motivational Factors Associated with Program Directors ............................................................ 26 Leadership Characteristics and Skills of Program Directors. ....................................................... 27 Leadership Training of Health Profession Program Directors ..................................................... 32 Leadership Styles and Development in Healthcare Professions .................................................. 34 Physical Therapy Program Directors Today ................................................................................. 36 v Chapter 3 METHODS................................................................................................................... 39 Research Questions ....................................................................................................................... 39 Research Design ........................................................................................................................... 42 Instrumentation ............................................................................................................................. 44 Pilot study/Validation Study ........................................................................................................ 46 Participants/ Survey Population .................................................................................................... 47 Procedure ..................................................................................................................................... 47 Data Analysis Plan ........................................................................................................................ 47 Summary………………………………………………………………………………………... 48 Chapter 4 RESULTS…………………………………………………………………………….49 Overall Survey Results by Degree ................................................................................................ 49 Preparation for the role of Program Director…………………………………………………….51 Leadership Skills and Style Development of PT Program Directors. .......................................... 59 Personal Satisfaction in the Role of PT PD .................................................................................. 63 Future Career Aspirations of PT Program Directors by Degree ................................................... 63 The Ideal PT Program Director .................................................................................................... .64 Advice for the PT Program Director ............................................................................................ .64 Chapter 5 DISCUSSION ............................................................................................................. .68 Interpretation of Results ............................................................................................................... .68 Study Limitations. ......................................................................................................................... 70 Discussion ..................................................................................................................................... 74 Conclusion .................................................................................................................................. .78 References ..................................................................................................................................... 95 vi Appendix A: Office of Research Integrity Approval Letter ....................................................... 101 Appendix B: Survey Cover Letters ............................................................................................. 102 Appendix C: Survey Instrument ................................................................................................. 108 Appendix D: Free Response Answers to Item 17 “Describe the Ideal Program Director” ...... 115 Appendix E: Free Response Answers to Item 20 "Do You Have Any Advice for the Future PT Program Director"? ..................................................................................................................... 123 Appendix F: Curriculum Vitae……………………………………………………………...….128 vii LIST OF TABLES Table 1. Terminal Degrees Held by Physical Therapy Program Directors, 2012-2015 ................. 9 Table 2. Program