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J. Kyle Covington

Associate Professor in Orthopaedic Surgery
Orthopaedic Surgery, Physical Therapy
311 Trent Drive, DUMC Box 104002, Durham, NC 27710
311 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27710

Overview


Dr. Covingtonis a neurologic physical therapist and 2004 graduate of the Duke DPT Program. He joined the faculty in 2007 and served as the Associate Director of Clinical Education from 2007-2014.  During that time he led  DPT Clinical STEPs® (Student Team Experience in Practice) course series in the first six semesters of the curriculum which places teams of students in clinical practice during their course work.  The creation of this new clinical education curricular format included significant educational program planning, assessment and evaluation.   In 2015, Dr. Covington completed his PhD in Educational Research and Policy Analysis at North Carolina State University.  Study emphases included adult learning theory, educational program planning and assessment.  In 2015 Dr. Covington was named the Duke DPT Program's Director of Assessment and Evaluation.  In addition, Dr. Covington's experience as a neurologic PT is utilized in the classroom during our Foundational Examination and Neurologic Practice Management Course work. Dr. Covington's research interests in collaborative student learning, and professional development of physical therapists and their embodied use of movement in expert practice.  

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Associate Professor in Orthopaedic Surgery · 2021 - Present Orthopaedic Surgery, Physical Therapy, Orthopaedic Surgery

Recent Publications


The Belongingness Scale for Physical Therapy Education: Validation in Doctor of Physical Therapy Students.

Journal Article J Phys Ther Educ · November 6, 2025 INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to adapt and validate the Belongingness in Higher Education Institutions (BES-HE) for Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students in the United States. REVIEW OF LITERATURE: Belongingness greatly influences student ... Full text Link to item Cite

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion-Related Curricular Elements in Entry-Level Physical Therapist Education: A Delphi Study.

Journal Article J Phys Ther Educ · March 1, 2025 INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this Delphi study was to determine whether experts in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in the field of physical therapy could achieve consensus on the key JEDI-related curricular content topics to be included in ... Full text Link to item Cite

Exploring Belongingness in a DPT Program Using a Revised Belongingness Scale.

Journal Article J Allied Health · 2025 INTRODUCTION: Research shows that belongingness positively correlates to students' academic performance and achievement. The lack of belongingness may limit students' progression within an educational setting and limit academic achievement. This explorator ... Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


Outcomes of Faculty Residencies: A multi-site mixed-methods investigation of key interested parties

ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by Foundation for Physical Therapy · 2025 - 2026

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Education, Training & Certifications


North Carolina State University · 2015 Ph.D.
Duke University · 2004 D.P.T.