University of North Dakota’s Physical Therapy Program Achieves Accreditation

The University of North Dakota’s Department of Physical Therapy has achieved accreditation for its Physical Therapy Faculty Residency Program, marking it as the fifth of its kind in the United States and the first in the Midwest. This accreditation addresses a growing national shortage of qualified educators in the health care field.

Gary Schindler, a professor of physical therapy at the UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences, emphasized the program’s goal of preparing residents to become exemplary faculty members. “This isn’t just good for UND. It’s good for the profession,” he stated.

Each year, the Department of Physical Therapy invites one licensed physical therapist to participate as a resident faculty member while they complete a two-year residency. During this period, residents engage in teaching, curriculum design, scholarly projects, and graduate-level coursework offered through the College of Education and Human Development. Upon completion, they receive a College Teaching Certificate and have the opportunity to pursue either an Ed.D. (Doctor of Education) or Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy).

Addressing the Shortage of Educators

The initiative responds to a critical shortage of physical therapists available to teach. Cindy Flom-Meland, chair of the Department of Physical Therapy, noted that retirements in the profession have intensified faculty shortages across the country. “We see the residency as a pathway to additional faculty for us, and for Doctor of Physical Therapy programs in general,” Flom-Meland explained.

The residency program not only prepares future educators but also fulfills the requirements set by accrediting agencies that necessitate a certain number of research-oriented faculty with Ph.D. degrees in educational institutions. Dave Relling, senior associate dean for health sciences at UND SMHS, highlighted the importance of cultivating faculty internally, stating, “Many health science training programs often have to grow their own faculty in-house.”

Residents are actively involved in the classroom, where they teach courses, manage syllabi, and learn about governance in higher education. They also complete a research project as part of their residency, which contributes to their professional development.

Broadening Perspectives in Education

The residency program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of academia. Schindler noted, “Gary reached out to different faculty across departments,” ensuring that residents gain diverse insights into what it means to be an academic.

Other institutions with accredited PT Faculty Residency programs include Duke University in North Carolina, Nova Southeastern University in Florida, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in Utah, and the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. This growing network of accredited programs signifies a collective effort to enhance the quality of physical therapy education across the nation.

By establishing this residency program, the University of North Dakota is not only addressing immediate educational needs but also investing in the future of physical therapy as a profession.