Artificial Intelligence (AI) in a Hybrid DPT Program: Student Opinions on Use, Cheating, and Plagiarism

Authors

• Jennifaye V. Brown, Augustana UniversityFollow
• Keiba Shaw, Augustana UniversityFollow
• Otis L. Owens, University of South CarolinaFollow

Abstract

Purpose: To prepare students with digital competencies needed for modern clinical practice, AI should be responsibly integrated into healthcare education programs. However, concerns exist about students misusing AI for admissions statements and academic assignments. This study examined Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students' perceptions of ChatGPT use and whether they consider its use cheating or plagiarism. Method: This retrospective multi-methods analysis compared two DPT student cohorts' online essay responses to the following questions: 1) Is using AI or specifically, ChatGPT considered cheating and/or plagiarism? and 2) What are students' opinions on ChatGPT use in the DPT curriculum? One hundred forty-seven essays were scrutinized using ATLAS.ti and thematic analysis to identify themes. Results: Cohort differences for AI/ChatGPT use were considered cheating by 78.9% (30/38) of respondents in Cohort 1 (C1), compared to 74.4% (32/43) in Cohort 2 (C2), and was deemed as plagiarism more among students in C2 (72.1%, 31/43) than in C1 (65.8%, 25/38). More students in C1 (40%, 26/65) opposed ChatGPT use in the DPT curriculum compared to those in C2 (19.4%, 12/62), whereas only 2 students in C1 (3.1%) and C2 (3.2%) fully supported its use. Additionally, more students in C2 (77.4%, 48/62) supported conditional use of ChatGPT compared to those in C1 (56.9%, 37/65). Students identified AI/ChatGPT as a potential teaching and learning tool but expressed more negative opinions: it inhibits learning, requires fact-checking, reduces student accountability, diminishes entry-level readiness, and creates unfair grade advantages. Conclusions: Overall, C2 essays revealed greater conditional support for ChatGPT, perhaps due to access to an AI policy added to the student handbook. Both cohorts expressed concern that AI/ChatGPT use for exams and writing assignments constituted cheating and plagiarism, respectively. Furthermore, such misuse reflects unethical behavior that may negatively impact clinical practice. Recommendations: The admissions committee should inform students that application and curricular documents will be verified using AI detection software. The orientation module should be refined by defining AI/ChatGPT technologies, providing examples of appropriate and inappropriate use. Further, a policy should be developed to clarify how AI can support their learning in an accelerated hybrid program while maintaining academic integrity.

Author Bio(s)

Jennifaye V. Brown, PT, MSPT, Ph.D., NCS, CAPS is a four-time 10-year board certified clinical specialist in neurologic physical therapy with 28 of 34 years in academia and retired as an Associate Professor. Research interests were in AFOs and diversity-related topics and artificial intelligence in healthcare education. info@jvbneuropt.com

Keiba L. Shaw, PT, DPT, Ed.D., M.A., is a physical therapist, Professor, and former Director of Student Affairs at Augustana University. She is currently the Program Director for South College – Atlanta Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. With 29 years of clinical and 23 years of academic experience, her interests include psychosocial concepts in aging adults, diverse student recruitment, and promoting exercise in special needs populations. kshaw@south.edu

Otis L. Owens, Ph.D., MPH, CAPS is a decision scientist, health communications specialist, and Associate Professor with 14 years of experience in qualitative research methods. His research interests are in the community-driven development and evaluation of technologies for supporting cancer decision-making, enabling aging-in-place, and promoting health equity. owenso@mailbox.sc.edu

Recommended Citation

Brown JV, Shaw K, Owens OL. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in a Hybrid DPT Program: Student Opinions on Use, Cheating, and Plagiarism. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2026 Jun 09;24(2), Article 25.