Our research is aimed at understanding education in the health professions and developing evidence-based strategies for learning across the professional continuum.

Our studies evaluate learning and the learning environment within the context of health professions education. Our ultimate goal is iteratively to improve physical therapist education to meet the health needs of society. Ongoing partnerships include both interprofessional and inter-institutional members to support our ability to produce findings that are generalizable to all health professions.

Publications

  • Magnusson, DM; Judd, DL; Ambler, SB; Magee, J; Collins, P; Kuba, E; Bilyeu, C. Meeting the Health Needs of Society Through Curricular Innovation in Physical Therapist Education: Examples From 3 Entry-Level Programs. Journal of Physical Therapy Education ():10.1097/JTE.0000000000000359, July 25, 2024. | DOI: 10.1097/JTE.0000000000000359.
  • Holleran C, Konrad J, Norton B, Burlis T, Ambler SB. Use of learner-driven, formative, ad-hoc, prospective assessment of competence in physical therapist clinical education in the United States: a prospective cohort study. J Educ Eval Health Prof. 2023;20.36. doi: 10.3352/jeehp.2023.20.36.
  • Ambler SB, Jette DU, Nordstrom TM. Return on Investment in Physical Therapy: Professional tension. Physical Therapy. 2020.
  • Ambler SB. Learning Sciences in Curricula: Making Excellence in Physical Therapist Education Stick. Journal of Humanities in Rehabilitation. Nov 2020.
  • Ambler SB. The Debt Burden of Entry-level Physical Therapists. Physical Therapy. 2019.

Faculty Investigators

Steven Ambler, PT, DPT, PhD, MPH
Carey L. Holleran, PT, MPT, DHS, NCS
Jeff Konrad, PT, DPT, PhD
Barbara J. Norton, PT, PhD, FAPTA
Jessica Randolph, EdD
vanessa lanier
Vanessa Lanier, PT, DPT, OCS

Collaborators

Note to Prospective Students:

The Education Research Lab operates independently and does not fall under the Research Division. As such, it is not an option for PhD study and does not accept PhD applicants or students.

Our primary focus is aimed at understanding education in the health professions and developing evidence-based strategies for learning across the professional continuum. While we collaborate with various departments and divisions, including those involved in doctoral research, we do not directly supervise or offer opportunities for PhD study.

For those interested in pursuing a PhD, we encourage exploring research opportunities within the Research Division or other relevant departments that align with your academic and professional goals.