Development of a Scale to Evaluate Key Attributes of Academic Advisors Essential to Physical Therapy Students

Authors

Robin M. Baker, Campbell UniversityFollow
Jamie L. Greco, Duke UniversityFollow

Abstract

Acknowledging the crucial role of academic advising in enhancing student success, professionalism, and personal growth, this paper advocates for a shift from traditional reactive methods to proactive, personalized advising strategies that have been shown to improve retention and satisfaction rates in higher education. Our study highlights the development of a comprehensive scale through rigorous validity assessments to measure key attributes of academic advisors essential to physical therapy students (PTS). This scale, refined through extensive feedback from faculty and PTS over two development phases, consists of 18 items on a 4-point Likert scale, which together map the complex landscape of effective academic advising. Our analysis identified three pivotal advising domains: Diversity and Inclusivity, Professional Development, and Humanized Approach.

The introduction of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Academic Advising Impact Scale (DPT-AAIS) promises to revolutionize advising practices by providing a tailored framework that responds dynamically to the evolving needs of students and faculty alike. By leveraging this innovative scale, academic programs can cultivate more meaningful advisor-advisee relationships, ensuring that each student receives the nuanced support necessary to thrive both academically and professionally.

Author Bio(s)

Robin M. Baker, PT, DPT is an Assistant Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at Campbell University in Buies Creek, NC. Dr. Baker is a member of the APTA, both locally and nationally. Dr. Robin Baker can be reached via email at rbaker@campbell.edu.

Jamie L. Greco PT, DPT, EdD is the Co-Director of Clinical Education, Coordinator for the Faculty Development Residency, and an Assistant Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program in the Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, NC.

Acknowledgements

The authors extend their gratitude to Chad Cook, PT, PhD, MBS, FAPTA for his invaluable guidance during the statistical analysis of the aggregate data. They also appreciate the support and insights from faculty colleagues who served as content experts, as well as the students whose participation and feedback were crucial in designing and refining the scale.

Recommended Citation

Baker RM, Greco JL. Development of a Scale to Evaluate Key Attributes of Academic Advisors Essential to Physical Therapy Students. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2025 Apr 15;23(2), Article 28.