Navigating The Path: Barriers and Motivators for Physical Therapy Students Pursuing Residency Programs or Board Certification

Authors

Lauren Butler, Florida International UniversityFollow
Amanda L. Thomas, Florida International UniversityFollow
Erasmo Alvarez, Florida International UniversityFollow
David Capote, Florida International UniversityFollow
Teresa Munecas, Florida International UniversityFollow
Abigail Adjei, Florida International UniversityFollow
Erik Estevez, Florida International UniversityFollow
Robert Haller, Florida International UniversityFollow
Isabella Satizabal, Florida International UniversityFollow
Leonardo Valdesuso,, Florida International UniversityFollow
Mark D. Rossi, Florida International UniversityFollow

Abstract

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Introduction: While the number of physical therapists (PTs) pursuing post-graduate education has increased since the inception of residency programs, the volume of new Doctor of Physical Therapy graduates applying for residency training has remained low. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the barriers and motivations of PT students in their pursuit of PT residency programs and board certification. Review of the Literature: The American Physical Therapy Association provides licensed PTs with a wide range of opportunities to advance their knowledge through residency programs and board certification.The decision to pursue these opportunities is left to each individual PT and is influenced by various factors. With the low frequency of residency completion and board certification by PTs, there is a need for an in-depth understanding of the factors that influence the pursuit of such programs and certifications. Subjects: Two hundred thirteen (213) participants completed the survey and were included for analysis. Methods: An electronic survey assessed students’ demographics, barriers and motivators to pursuing a PT residency program or board certification, clinical instructor training, self-reported intent of pursuing residency training or board certification, and self-rated importance of residency program characteristics. Descriptive statistics and Monte Carlo Fisher Exact Tests were used. Results: The greatest barrier to pursuing a residency program or board certification was financial constraints (47.4%), while the greatest motivator was opportunities for professional development (45.5%). The majority of students (52.6%) were at least somewhat likely to pursue a residency program, while 81.2% were at least somewhat likely to pursue specialty board certification. There was an association between having a faculty member with board certification and students’ self-reported intent of pursuing board certification (p=0.009). Gender was also associated with self-reported intent of pursuing board certification with women reporting greater intent than men (p=0.001). Conclusion & Discussion: With financial constraints reported as the greatest barrier to the pursuit of PT residency programs or board certification, making these opportunities more affordable should be prioritized. Furthermore, having faculty members with specialty board certification may increase PT students’ motivation to pursue board certification in the future.

Author Bio(s)

Lauren Butler, DPT, is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences Physical Therapy at Florida International University. She is also a licensed physical therapist in Florida.

Amanda Thomas, DPT, is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences Physical Therapy at Florida International University. She is also a licensed physical therapist in Florida.

Erasmo Alvarez, DPT, is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences Physical Therapy at Florida International University. He is also a licensed physical therapist in Florida.

David Capote, DPT, is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences Physical Therapy at Florida International University. He is also a licensed physical therapist in Florida.

Teresa Munecas, DPT, EdD is a Clinical Associate Professor of Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences Physical Therapy at Florida International University. She is also a licensed physical therapist in Florida.

Abigail Adjei, SPT, is a physical therapy student of Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Florida International University.

Erik Estevez, SPT, is a physical therapy student of Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Florida International University.

Robert Haller, SPT, is a physical therapy student of Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Florida International University.

Isabella Satizabal, SPT, is a physical therapy student of Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Florida International University.

Leonardo Valdesuso, SPT, is a physical therapy student of Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Florida International University.

Mark D. Rossi, PT, PhD, is a Clinical Associate Professor and Chair of Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences Physical Therapy at Florida International University. He is also a licensed physical therapist in Florida.

Recommended Citation

Butler L, Thomas AL, Alvarez E, Capote D, Munecas T, Adjei A, Estevez E, Haller R, Satizabal I, Valdesuso, L, Rossi MD. Navigating The Path: Barriers and Motivators for Physical Therapy Students Pursuing Residency Programs or Board Certification. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2025 Aug 08;23(4), Article 4.