Motives and Barriers to Pursuing Academic Doctorates: Perceptions of Doctor of Physical Therapy Faculty

Abstract

There is a growing need for newly trained physical therapists to meet the anticipated expansion of the profession. Still, a shortage of core Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) faculty with academic doctorates, a requirement for DPT program accreditation, limits the ability to address the need. To tackle this issue, it is essential to understand the motivations and barriers that influence DPT faculty in pursuing academic doctorates. While research has identified the perceptions of the motives and barriers to pursuing an academic doctorate in other healthcare fields, limited studies have explored these factors specifically for physical therapists.

This descriptive qualitative study aimed to examine the perceptions of core DPT faculty regarding the motivations and barriers associated with earning an academic doctorate and how it has or will affect their job satisfaction. The study was grounded in the self-determination theory. Data were gathered through virtual semi-structured interviews with 11 core DPT faculty members working in traditional DPT programs across the United States. Thematic analysis of the data revealed three key themes: a ‘passion for academia,’ challenges related to ‘program inflexibility,’ and opportunities created ‘open doors’ by pursuing an academic doctorate.

Addressing the shortage of DPT faculty with academic doctorates will require fostering an interest in academia among DPT students, developing flexible and affordable academic doctorate programs, and highlighting the professional benefits of obtaining an academic doctorate. These steps can help support the growing demand for physical therapists.