Black Students in Physical Therapy Speak Out: Texas Reality

Black physical therapy students represent just 3.8% of DPT programs. If you’re a PT, clinic owner, or educator, this episode breaks down why that matters — and what it means for patient outcomes, diversity in healthcare, and the future of private practice physical therapy.

Four new graduates from Texas State University share the results of their two-year qualitative study exploring the lived experiences of Black DPT students in Texas. They unpack barriers to enrollment, microaggressions in PT programs, code-switching, social isolation, and the pressure to improve diversity without institutional support.

If we want better patient outcomes, stronger teams, and sustainable clinic growth, this conversation isn’t optional.

Why this matters now:

• The U.S. population is ~13% Black — PTs are ~1.5%
• Patient outcomes improve with culturally competent care
• Clinic owners and program directors influence the pipeline

This isn’t political. It’s professional. It’s about building a better healthcare system.

Chapters

00:00 – Why This Research Matters
03:00 – Barriers To Enrollment
12:00 – Microaggressions In PT School
19:00 – Social Isolation Explained
27:00 – Code-Switching Reality
34:30 – Allyship And Institutional Change
47:30 – What Success Looks Like