Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
Spring 2020
Abstract
Background
- Minimal data exists on optimizing the retention of undergraduate students to the DPT program within the same academic institution.
- Many DPT programs provide information and resources for applicants to explain admission requirements and overview the program curriculum.
Purpose
- Identify and understand undergraduate student and faculty member’s knowledge, perceptions and resources regarding the DPT program within the same institution.
- Develop resources and tools to enhance the connectedness within the undergraduate and graduate DPT program in the same institution and fill identified gaps.
Participants
- 41 undergraduate Science and Kinesiology students
- 6 Kinesiology faculty members
- 5 Science faculty members
- 4 active DPT students who attended CSP as undergraduates
- 18 active DPT students
Methods
- Qualitative data collection via surveys and focus groups
- Triangulation of data, coding and development of themes
- Action research strategies used to create tangible products and resources
Results
- Majority of undergraduate students choose their major in high school or freshman year of college.
- Undergraduate students expressed a lack of resources and understanding of the DPT program within their institution (Figure 1).
- Undergraduate students expressed desire for admission requirements, informational meetings and mentorship (Figure 2).
- Faculty echoed lack of resources and provided ideas for potential products.
Conclusion
- Themes emerged that students and faculty were provided with little information regarding the DPT program within their home institution.
- Analysis of student and staff focus groups, questionnaires, and interviews, determined the need for a variety of products including: Program resource guide, Mentorship program, Social media (Facebook & Instagram), On campus marketing, and informational events.
Implications
- Designing and implementing products may help bridge the gap between the undergraduate and graduate populations in the same institution.
- Future research will examine the impact of products and to also determine if graduate applications within institution increased.
- Future phases may include admissions, undergraduate student advisors and other CSP undergraduate departments.
Recommended Citation
Vandenberg, Lyndsey PT, DPT, EdD; Brenner, Jacob SPT; Day, Catherine SPT; Leaf, Danielle SPT; Mirbaghri, Shahla SPT; and Schwarz, Emily SPT, "Enhancing the Connectedness Between Undergraduate Students, Faculty, and the DPT Program Within the Same Institution" (2020). DPT Capstone Posters. 1.
https://digitalcommons.csp.edu/dpt-posters/1