In a new APTA podcast lead investigator Gail Jensen, PT, PhD, FAPTA, and coinvestigators Jan Gwyer, PT, PhD, FAPTA, and Terry Nordstrom, PT, EdD, describe the history and background of the study Physical Therapist Education for the 21st Century (PTE-21).      

The PTE-21 research team, which also includes Laurita M. Hack, PT, DPT, MBA, PhD, FAPTA, and Elizabeth Mostrom, PT, PhD, is in the process of conducting 4 site visits aimed at uncovering and examining the crucial dimensions of excellence in physical therapist education across academic and clinical settings.

The group will issue a final report on the first phase of the study in the fall of 2013. Also in 2013, Jensen and colleagues will begin fundraising for the second phase of the study that will include an additional 6 sites. 

Phase I of the study is funded by a 2-year APTA award of $50,000. The funding is the result of a request for proposal (RFP) for "Innovation and Excellence in Academic and Clinical Education Funding" developed by APTA and announced in November 2010. The RFP was targeted at stakeholder groups throughout the profession.