By definition, STEM includes degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The Doctor of Physical Therapy program meets this definition. Our curriculum includes fundamentally scientific courses such as Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Biostatistics, rehabilitation robotics, and so forth. All those courses are defined as STEM. In addition, before entering PT school, pre-PT students took prerequisites including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Research methods and statistics, Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology, and Psychology. As a doctorate degree, Doctor of Physical Therapy Programs are highly science and evidence-based. In terms of academic stress, the Doctor of Physical Therapy programs are on par with or even far exceed many current STEM majors and programs. 

In terms of the research and innovation expectations of STEM fields, the Doctor of Physical Therapy program meets this expectation above and beyond. Throughout a physical therapist’s academic and clinical career, research projects are fundamental. Research participation is mandatory for most, if not all Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. Many physical therapy students have posted peer reviewed articles, and presented significant findings at national conferences such as the Combined Sections Meeting during DPT program. Scientific research published by physical therapists, such as ones through the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Journal and the Journal of Physical Therapy Science, are highly valued in the medical field. In fact, physical therapy is a branch of medicine, and should be classified as a medical technology specialty. This alone should qualify Doctor of Physical Therapy programs as STEM majors.

In addition, many Doctor of Physical Therapy students pursue advanced studies upon graduation. We have observed that a number of newly approved STEM majors emphasize "human-centered technology," and we think our academic pursuit of patient-centered care meets this criteria perfectly. Robotics, artificial exoskeleton technology and functional electrical stimulation are essential in our education. Many DPT students choose to continue such studies in various specialty areas of interest, through PhD programs, post-doctoral training and research fellowships.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, persistent staffing shortages are choking the US healthcare system. STEM OPT extension would allow U.S.-trained non-US citizen doctors of physical therapy to fill this gap and serve in the United States for an additional two years. OPT extensions for doctor of physical therapy students would not only benefit our career advancement, but also supply the current demand of the healthcare market as a whole.

In conclusion, we petition for Doctor of Physical Therapy programs (CIP code: 51.2308) to be categorized as STEM majors. Our programs meet the criteria of STEM majors, and as a STEM major, Doctor of Physical Therapy students will be able to bridge the gap in healthcare demands in the US by supplying more competent US trained Doctors of Physical Therapy to underserved and understaffed healthcare communities.