“Thrown to the Fire”: Exploring the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Education and Self-Efficacy in New Graduate Physical Therapists

Authors

• Michael Furtado, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort WorthFollow
• Gregory Brusola, University of Texas Medical BranchFollow
• Dana Wild, University of Texas Medical BranchFollow

Abstract

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) education and practice, leading to emergency transitions to online learning and interruptions in clinical experiences across the United States. These disruptions raised concerns about their impact on new graduate DPTs' self-efficacy and professional readiness. The current issue addressed by this study is the effect of these disruptions on new graduate self-efficacy and confidence in their professional role. This mixed-method study aimed to assess the extent of clinical education disruption, evaluate its effects on self-efficacy, and explore the lived experiences of new graduate DPTs during the pandemic. Method: A survey was conducted with 2020 and 2021 DPT graduates (N = 101), including the Self-Efficacy of Physical Therapist Student Outcomes survey and an open-ended question on pandemic impacts. Groups were defined as <4 weeks or ≥4 weeks of clinical education disruption. Results: Independent tests analyzed differences on the SEPTSO and thematic analysis explored participants’ lived experiences. Significant differences were found in planned and actual clinical education lengths between groups, with overall poor self-efficacy in patient management but high self-efficacy in professionalism. Here we show that new DPT graduates faced substantial challenges that impacted their self-efficacy during their transition into the workforce, influenced by a lack of clinical experiences. Conclusions: This study highlights the need for targeted strategies by employers and DPT programs to support new graduates during crises, ensuring their professional development and mental well-being. These findings contribute to a broader understanding of the pandemic's impact on health professions education.

Author Bio(s)

Michael Furtado, PT, DPT, EdD is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy at University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth. He is also a licensed physical therapist in the state of Texas.

Gregory Brusola, PT, DPT, PhD is an Assistant Professor and Program Director of Hybrid Track DPT at the University of Texas Medical Branch. He is also a licensed physical therapist in the state of Texas.

Dana Wild, PT, PhD is an Associate Professor and Associate Dean of Student Affairs at the University of Texas Medical Branch. She is also a licensed physical therapist in the state of Texas.

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank all of our participants in this study!

Recommended Citation

Furtado M, Brusola G, Wild D. “Thrown to the Fire”: Exploring the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Education and Self-Efficacy in New Graduate Physical Therapists. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2026 Jun 02;24(2), Article 20.