A problem-solving curriculum design in physical therapy.

A systematic process used in planning a basic professional physical therapy curriculum design focused on problem solving is delineated and illustrated in this article. Disadvantages and advantages of the present subject-centered curriculum design are enumerated, as well as results of independent evaluations of the proposed alternative curriculum design. A method for validation of a curriculum design without implementation is discussed. The article is presented to stimulate thought and discussion by physical therapy educators about the processes used to plan curricula and about the content of an alternative curriculum design in physical therapy.