Episode 8: Stronger Together: Advocacy, Policy, and the Future of Academic Physical Therapy

Episode 8: Stronger Together: Advocacy, Policy, and the Future of Academic Physical Therapy

In this episode of FlexCast, ACAPT welcomes members of the Advanced Professional Workforce Alliance (APWA) for a timely discussion on the federal policies shaping the future of health professions education and workforce development.  Abe Saffer, former Senior Legislative Representative for AOTA; Allison Reed, Associate at Lewis-Burke; and ACAPT's President, Kimberly Varnado, PT, DPT, DHSc, OCS, FAAOMPT, explore the coalition's mission, the importance of unified advocacy, and several key policy developments impacting academic programs and students. The conversation highlights why these issues matter beyond higher education, influencing workforce sustainability, access to care, and the future of healthcare professions. Tune in to learn how coalition advocacy is helping health professions speak with one voice on the issues that matter most.

Episode 7: The Role of Assessments in DPT Programs

ACAPT’s newest episode of FlexCast examines how assessment practices are shaping program quality, student outcomes, and strategic decision-making in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) education. Hosted by ACAPT Board Director Sara North, PT, DPT, PhD, MEd, FNAP, University of Minnesota, the episode features Katie Myers, PT, DPT, PhD, Duke University; Rebecca Moore, PT, DPT, cert MDT, OCS, University of Memphis; and Ashley Parish, PT, DPT, PhD, CRT, University of Alabama at Birmingham, leaders working directly in program assessment and outcomes management. Together, they discuss the growing importance of dedicated assessment leadership within academic programs and the role assessment plays in supporting accreditation, curriculum alignment, and continuous improvement.

Episode 6: The Next Generation Classroom: AI-Powered Clinical Learning

Hosted by Matt Calendrillo, Chair of ACAPT’s Clinical Education Commission, the episode features Benjamin Stern, MS, DPT, of Tufts University School of Medicine, who shares how AI-powered patient simulation is expanding opportunities for student practice and skill development. Listeners will gain insight into how programs can create customizable patient scenarios, provide real-time feedback, and integrate AI into existing curricula.

Episode 5: What It Takes: Strategies Behind 100% NPTE Pass Rates

ACAPT’s latest episode of FlexCast features Dr. Beth Moody-Jones (University of New Mexico Albuquerque) and Dr. Jessica Cammarata (Saint Francis University), whose programs have achieved 100% first-time NPTE pass rates. In this practical, insight-driven conversation, they share how intentional curriculum design, aligned assessment strategies, and strong student support systems contribute to consistent success. They also offer actionable tips and lessons learned that programs can apply to strengthen their own outcomes.

Episode 4: Supporting Leadership that Lasts: ACAPT’s FHEL Grant

In our latest FlexCast episode, FHEL graduates share the moments, challenges, and growth that shaped their leadership journeys. We're joined by Dr. Dawn Brown, PT, DPT, EdD, OCS; Dr. Stephanie Eton, PT, DPT, GCS, NCS; Dr. Jaime Gonzalez, PT, DPT, OCS, SCS.