The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) projects a workforce shortage of Physical Therapists (PT) in the US and particularly in rural and low-income communities. This is true for Southern Colorado where the ratio of PTs to residents’ ranges from 1.6-2.6 PTs/1000 residents and is lower than the national average of 3.19 PTs/1000 residents. (bls.gov). The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) and the CU Physical Therapy (CUPT) program, located on the University of Colorado sister Anschutz Campus, have partnered in developing a UCCS Hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy program. This cross-campus collaboration in Physical Therapy Education will not only benefit the involved campuses but will provide a future workforce pipeline of Physical Therapists for Southern Colorado. The development of UCCS Hybrid Program DPT Track will allow non-traditional students to attend an accredited DPT program while remaining in their local community. Health care students who go to college and remain in their local community are more likely to stay in their local area and practice their profession. The Hybrid DPT students will take their PT courses online, however they will be required to come to the UCCS campus twice during each semester for laboratory experience. The 7 to 10-day immersive session will allow students to be in clinical rotations and laboratories to gain competencies and clinical skills that are needed in order to practice as a Licensed Physical Therapist. In order to teach advanced standards of care to students, equipment and supplies must be available to students so they can learn how to use them and make assessments and rehabilitative plans for their future patients. Because PTs practice in a wide variety of areas like neuroscience, pediatrics, orthopedics, critical care, home care and many other areas, the list of equipment and supplies is all encompassing and can range from anatomy models and therapy bands to diagnostic ultras
ounds. This grant will allow the Hybrid DPT Program to purchase the necessary equipment and supplies that are needed to teach students how to learn to improve mobility, increase strength and maintain the standard of practice for their patients.