Reaching Learners Where They Are: Podcasting as a Scalable Tool for the National Physical Therapy Exam Preparation

Authors

Bhupinder Singh, Midwestern UniversityFollow
Rudri Purohit, The University of Illinois at ChicagoFollow
Emily Gerbehy, Dominican UniversityFollow
Derek Camilleri, California State UniversityFollow

Abstract

Purpose: The National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) is a pivotal requirement for PT licensure in the US. While conventional preparation methods such as textbooks, review courses, and standardized practice exams are effective, they often pose logistical and financial challenges. Method: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of asynchronous, on-demand educational tools. Among these, podcasting has emerged as a promising, mobile-friendly modality, yet its usage trends and educational value for NPTE preparation remain underexplored. The purpose of this study was to analyze multiyear podcast engagement data from a high-performing NPTE-focused podcast hosted on Buzzsprout, spanning January 2020 to March 2025. Engagement metrics were evaluated between two phases: pandemic (2021–2022), and post-pandemic (2023–2025). Key variables included annual and cumulative download counts, platform usage, episode popularity by topic, and geographic distribution based on IP-derived metadata. Descriptive statistics were used to assess download trends over time. Visualizations included bar graphs of annual usage, platform-specific shares, top and bottom city-level engagement, and continental reach. Episode themes were categorized by clinical content (e.g., test procedures, cardiorespiratory topics), and patterns were compared across time phases. Results: The podcast accrued over 1.24 million downloads, with peak engagement in 2021 (395,552). Post-pandemic downloads remained elevated at 150,000–180,000 annually before declining in early 2025. Spotify (322,682 downloads, 26%) and Apple Podcasts (246,436, 19%) were the leading platforms among over 70 sources. North America dominated engagement (651,664 downloads), followed by Asia (73,747). Top-performing U.S. cities included New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, while cities like Aberdeen and Adel recorded just one download. During the pandemic, the most downloaded episodes focused on ankle-brachial index testing, wheelchair measurements, and neurodynamic tests. Post-pandemic, popular topics included emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and talocrural joint evaluation. Conclusion: In conclusion, this analysis highlights podcasting as a scalable and flexible educational tool for NPTE preparation, with clinically focused, mobile-accessible content that sustained learner engagement beyond the pandemic. Platform data showed strong user-loyalty, while geographic trends revealed both high-engagement and underserved areas. Podcasting serves as a durable supplement to traditional preparation methods. Future research should explore its impact on NPTE outcomes and strategies to expand access among underserved learners.

Author Bio(s)

Dr. Bhupinder Singh, PT, PhD, is Program Director at Midwestern University. He holds a PhD from the University of Iowa and has led curriculum redesign, faculty development, and interprofessional education. He serves on CAPTE, APTA, and university committees, advancing inclusive, evidence-based physical therapy education through national and institutional leadership.

Rudri Purohit, MS, PT, is a PhD candidate in Rehabilitation Sciences and Neuroscience at UIC. Her research focuses on balance, fall prevention, and neuroimaging in aging and stroke. She has received S Doctoral Pilot Grant for work on home-based rehabilitation incorporating smartphone technology and neuromodulatory modalities among people with stroke.

Emily Gerbehy, PT, DPT, ATC, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Athletic Trainer dedicated to teaching and mentoring future healthcare professionals. She earned her DPT from Dominican University and her BS in Athletic Training from Marywood University. Emily is also an adjunct professor at Dominican University of New York and specializes in pelvic health in outpatient PT with acute care experience.

Derek Camilleri, MA, is CEO of FACTS, supporting internationally trained physical therapists with U.S. licensure. He earned his master’s from California State University, focusing on leadership and education. A U.S. Air Force veteran and Distinguished Airman Leadership School graduate, he also holds a teaching certificate and graduated summa cum laude.

Recommended Citation

Singh B, Purohit R, Gerbehy E, Camilleri D. Reaching Learners Where They Are: Podcasting as a Scalable Tool for the National Physical Therapy Exam Preparation. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2026 Mar 03;24(1), Article 21.