The Advantages of Hybrid Learning in Physical Therapy Education
In an ever-evolving educational world, hybrid learning is reshaping how students approach physical therapy programs. The Department of Physical Therapy in Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program that blends online courses, on-campus lab immersions, and local clinical experiences. Here, Brian Young, PT, DSc, Chair and Clinical Professor, provides insight into the benefits of Baylor Physical Therapy’s hybrid model and its impact on both students and the profession.
Expanding Accessibility and Flexibility
A primary advantage of Baylor’s hybrid model is the flexibility it offers, as it creates more opportunities for students who may not have the financial means to relocate for a traditional program.
“Our program’s design allows students to stay home with their support systems, rather than uprooting their lives to move to a new city,” Young explained. “It’s particularly beneficial for students in rural areas or for those with families, jobs, and other commitments they can’t easily leave behind. By staying where they are, they can pursue their degree without disrupting their personal lives and support networks.”
As part of the blended-learning curriculum, students gain direct patient care experience during clinical placements. Baylor Physical Therapy is closely connected with local clinics around the country, which means clinical locations are very typically accessible near a student’s hometown. This allows students to build lasting connections with local professionals and clients.
This flexibility extends to Baylor’s ability to hire faculty, as well.
“As a hybrid program, we attract highly talented individuals from across the country to be core, full-time faculty. Like our students, they are not required to move from their own established roots, yet they are full-time Baylor faculty,” Young said.
He noted that the hybrid model allows the DPT program to also bring in adjunct faculty from around the United States, each contributing their unique clinical experiences to lab immersions or online courses.
“Students are exposed to more than 70 different adjunct faculty, many of whom may be their clinical rotation instructors, providing valuable networking opportunities and expanding Baylor’s presence in new communities across the U.S.”
Blending Online Coursework with Hands-On Labs
Young emphasized how the combination of online learning and immersive labs increase students’ comprehension and practical skills. The online portion, consisting of asynchronous and synchronous learning, allows students to familiarize themselves with the theoretical concepts before attending the hands-on lab sessions. Asynchronous activities like individual assignments, recorded lectures, and required reading allow students the flexibility to learn at their own pace. During synchronous learning, students and faculty engage within a live virtual classroom, participating in discussions and faculty demonstrations.
Additionally, the in-person lab immersions in Waco, Texas, are designed in block format so students can dedicate entire days to mastering specific areas, such as aging adult care, cardiopulmonary therapy, human anatomy, musculoskeletal therapy, neurological rehabilitation, and pediatrics. This focused approach helps students fully immerse themselves in their learning without feeling spread thin across different days and subjects.
“When students arrive at the labs, they’re ready to apply psychomotor skills and clinical reasoning in a more focused, immersive environment,” Young said.
Creating Opportunities for Underrepresented Populations
As the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has placed an emphasis on improving diversity within the profession, hybrid education programs have helped to attract a more diverse student population. For instance, Baylor Physical Therapy’s current cohorts include 28% to 35% of students from underrepresented groups. Young notes the APTA’s emphasis is important and will better align the diversity of healthcare professionals with that of the general population.
“Many of our students from underrepresented populations want to remain in their communities post-graduation so they can provide culturally competent care and meet the diverse needs of the people they serve,” Young said. “We allow them to gain the skills needed to give back.”
Dedicated Student Support
One of the biggest challenges of hybrid education is maintaining a sense of community and providing support to students who are dispersed across the U.S. The Department’s faculty and staff play an important role in this, as they take time to build lifelong connection. Also, the University has an extensive support system, which ensures hybrid students have access to the same resources as residential students.
“We prioritize staying connected with our students,” Young emphasized. “From academic support to mental health resources, we ensure that all of our DPT students have the tools they need to succeed—whether they’re on campus for lab immersions, at home studying coursework, or interning in a local clinic.”