Location
LSU Health Sciences Center - New Orleans
Event Website
https://alliedhealth.lsuhsc.edu/admin/sahpresearchday.aspx
Document Type
Event
Start Date
8-4-2024 3:00 PM
End Date
8-4-2024 5:00 PM
Description
Introduction: While diversity in the United States population continues to grow, many health care professions do not reflect this increasing diversity. One minority group that has historically been underrepresented in health care includes first-generation (FG) students. Current research illustrates the experiences of FG students earning degrees in health care professions; however, there is little knowledge on FG students pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree (DPT).
Purpose. This study's purpose was to explore the experiences of current FG students and how these experiences impact their pursuit of a physical therapy career.
Methods. Using a qualitative research design, semi-structured interview questions were developed, and subsequent interviews were conducted with three FG DPT students through video conference. Analysis of responses was conducted using multiple coding cycles leading to categories and themes.
Results. Four primary themes were identified: identity, career choice, challenges, and support. The themes highlighted the students’ shared experiences of lacking guidance in the application process to their DPT program, navigating student debt, meeting high academic standards, and accepting support from family, friends, faculty, and classmates.
Discussion. The students identified multiple factors at the personal, academic, and professional levels that impacted their pursuit of a physical therapy career. The findings suggest that FG students may benefit from additional support addressing path to the profession, financial literacy, and academic performance. As DPT programs across the country work on increasing diversity within the profession, addressing the barriers and challenges will help to improve first-generation DPT student experiences to and through the program.
Recommended Citation
Sculthorp, Kolby; Reese, Joseph; Gulizo, Justin; Ingram, Zachary; Ransom, Emily; and Bernstein, Olivia, "Experiences of First-Generation Students in PT Education: A Qualitative Analysis" (2024). School of Allied Health Professions Research Day. 30.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/ahrd/2024/2024/30
Included in
Experiences of First-Generation Students in PT Education: A Qualitative Analysis
LSU Health Sciences Center - New Orleans
Introduction: While diversity in the United States population continues to grow, many health care professions do not reflect this increasing diversity. One minority group that has historically been underrepresented in health care includes first-generation (FG) students. Current research illustrates the experiences of FG students earning degrees in health care professions; however, there is little knowledge on FG students pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree (DPT).
Purpose. This study's purpose was to explore the experiences of current FG students and how these experiences impact their pursuit of a physical therapy career.
Methods. Using a qualitative research design, semi-structured interview questions were developed, and subsequent interviews were conducted with three FG DPT students through video conference. Analysis of responses was conducted using multiple coding cycles leading to categories and themes.
Results. Four primary themes were identified: identity, career choice, challenges, and support. The themes highlighted the students’ shared experiences of lacking guidance in the application process to their DPT program, navigating student debt, meeting high academic standards, and accepting support from family, friends, faculty, and classmates.
Discussion. The students identified multiple factors at the personal, academic, and professional levels that impacted their pursuit of a physical therapy career. The findings suggest that FG students may benefit from additional support addressing path to the profession, financial literacy, and academic performance. As DPT programs across the country work on increasing diversity within the profession, addressing the barriers and challenges will help to improve first-generation DPT student experiences to and through the program.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/ahrd/2024/2024/30