Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Overview

Mission

Through education, scholarship, and service, the mission of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is to prepare students to be leaders in contemporary practice and to improve the human condition and profession.

Values

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program embraces the core values of the physical therapy profession. Our values are adopted from the APTA Core Values for the Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant, HOD P09-21-21-09:

Accountability

Accountability is active acceptance of the responsibility for the diverse roles, obligations, and actions of the physical therapist and physical therapist assistant including self‐regulation and other behaviors that positively influence patient and client outcomes, the profession, and the health needs of society.

Altruism

Altruism is the primary regard for or devotion to the interest of patients and clients, thus assuming the responsibility of placing the needs of patients and clients ahead of the physical therapist’s or physical therapist assistant’s self‐interest.

Collaboration

Collaboration is working together with patients and clients, families, communities, and professionals in health and other fields to achieve shared goals. Collaboration within the physical therapist‐physical therapist assistant team is working together, within each partner’s respective role, to achieve optimal physical therapist services and outcomes for patients and clients.

Compassion and Caring

Compassion is the desire to identify with or sense something of another’s experience, a precursor of caring. Caring is the concern, empathy, and consideration for the needs and values of others.

Duty

Duty is the commitment to meeting one’s obligations to provide effective physical therapist services to patients and clients, to serve the profession, and to positively influence the health of society.

Excellence

Excellence in the provision of physical therapist services occurs when the physical therapist and physical therapist assistant consistently use current knowledge and skills while understanding personal limits, integrate the patient or client perspective, embrace advancement, and challenge mediocrity.

Inclusion

Inclusion occurs when the physical therapist and physical therapist assistant create a welcoming and equitable environment for all. Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants are inclusive when they commit to providing a safe space, elevating diverse and minority voices, acknowledging personal biases that may impact patient care, and taking a position of anti-discrimination.

Integrity

Integrity is steadfast adherence to high ethical principles or standards, being truthful, ensuring fairness, following through on commitments, and verbalizing to others the rationale for actions.

Social Responsibility

Social responsibility is the promotion of a mutual trust between the profession and the larger public that necessitates responding to societal needs for health and wellness.

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Student and Graduate Goals

• Goal 1: Students will demonstrate the requisite knowledge and skills to practice safely and effectively as entry-level physical therapists.
• Goal 2: Students and graduates will demonstrate effective communication skills and professional behavior when interacting with patients, families, professional colleagues, and the public.
• Goal 3: Students and graduates will practice in a legal, ethical, and fair manner.
• Goal 4: Students and graduates will demonstrate a commitment to the profession through advocacy and community service.
• Goal 5: Graduates will engage in lifelong learning and professional development opportunities.

Faculty Goals

• Goal 1: Actively engage in professional practice, service, and/or continuing education to maintain and expand clinical competence and expertise.
• Goal 2: Promote academic excellence that optimizes student learning and teaching effectiveness.
• Goal 3: Disseminate peer-reviewed scholarly products via professional journals and conferences.
• Goal 4: Participate in service and leadership opportunities at the institution, community, and/or professional level.

Program Goals

• Goal 1: Cultivate experiences that promote resiliency, engagement, intuitiveness, and adaptability.
• Goal 2: Enhance opportunities and resources to advance and promote justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Goal 3: Sponsor professional development activities for clinical faculty and area clinicians to foster lifelong learning.