Examining Technology-Based Recruitment Strategies and Diversity Initiatives Among Accredited DPT Programs
Document Type
Poster
Start Date
28-4-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
28-4-2026 2:00 PM
Description
Introduction and Purpose: Lack of diversity within the physical therapy (PT) workforce presents a barrier to equitable healthcare services. Although technology-based strategies may enhance outreach to underrepresented minority (URM) prospective students, limited research has examined how Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs use technology for recruitment. This study examines CAPTE-accredited DPT programs’ use of social media and technology as recruitment tools, with the intent of highlighting digital strategies that may promote diversity within the profession.
Methods: A total of 297 DPT programs were analyzed using publicly available data from websites and social media. Data included URM student resources, recruitment activities, information sessions, tuition, and digital engagement. Frequencies, means, and regional comparisons were drawn.
Results: Demographics: 42.4% public and 57.6% private institutions, 89.6% traditional format, and 47.3% average cohort size. Average in-state tuition was $106,620.77 and out-of-state tuition was $125,203.54. All programs maintained a website and included multiple recruitment strategies, 95.3% direct links to PTCAS application, 66.7% access to informational session, and 63% information about the profession. Over 87% utilized at least one social media platform. While over 75% of programs included multiple diverse images, 23.6% had one or no posts featuring URM individuals.
Discussion: Although most DPT programs use both traditional and digital recruitment strategies, inconsistent representation of minority groups and limited accessibility of information and resources for URM students may hinder equitable outreach. DPT programs can leverage technology as part of a comprehensive recruitment plan that may impact URM students' path to the profession and workforce.
Recommended Citation
Espinosa, Nina; Sabido, Emily; Zimmerman, Cece; Majarrez, Marlena; Curet, Anja; and Giovingo, Meagan, "Examining Technology-Based Recruitment Strategies and Diversity Initiatives Among Accredited DPT Programs" (2026). School of Allied Health Professions Research Day. 13.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/ahrd/2026/posters/13
Examining Technology-Based Recruitment Strategies and Diversity Initiatives Among Accredited DPT Programs
Introduction and Purpose: Lack of diversity within the physical therapy (PT) workforce presents a barrier to equitable healthcare services. Although technology-based strategies may enhance outreach to underrepresented minority (URM) prospective students, limited research has examined how Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs use technology for recruitment. This study examines CAPTE-accredited DPT programs’ use of social media and technology as recruitment tools, with the intent of highlighting digital strategies that may promote diversity within the profession.
Methods: A total of 297 DPT programs were analyzed using publicly available data from websites and social media. Data included URM student resources, recruitment activities, information sessions, tuition, and digital engagement. Frequencies, means, and regional comparisons were drawn.
Results: Demographics: 42.4% public and 57.6% private institutions, 89.6% traditional format, and 47.3% average cohort size. Average in-state tuition was $106,620.77 and out-of-state tuition was $125,203.54. All programs maintained a website and included multiple recruitment strategies, 95.3% direct links to PTCAS application, 66.7% access to informational session, and 63% information about the profession. Over 87% utilized at least one social media platform. While over 75% of programs included multiple diverse images, 23.6% had one or no posts featuring URM individuals.
Discussion: Although most DPT programs use both traditional and digital recruitment strategies, inconsistent representation of minority groups and limited accessibility of information and resources for URM students may hinder equitable outreach. DPT programs can leverage technology as part of a comprehensive recruitment plan that may impact URM students' path to the profession and workforce.