A major mission of the Department of Physical Therapy is to prepare autonomous Doctors of Physical Therapy who by their commitment to advance the health and quality of life for all humanity are recognized as leaders among health professionals and the community. Graduates of this educational program will enter the profession as practitioners who are prepared to:
- Practice as autonomous point-of-entry providers of physical therapy services in adherence to ethical, professional, and legal standards within a variety of clinical and community settings.
- Communicate verbally and in writing with patient/clients and their caregivers, colleagues, legislators, third-party payors, and other constituents.
- Demonstrate proficiency in providing culturally competent care across the lifespan.
- Demonstrate decision-making skills including clinical reasoning, clinical judgment, and reflective practice.
- Screen patients/clients to determine the need for further examination or consultation by a PT or referral to another health care professional.
- Demonstrate competence in examination and re-examination of a patient/client using evidence based tests and measures.
- Evaluate all available data (including examination, medical, and psychosocial) to establish and communicate a physical therapy diagnosis and to determine patient/client prognosis.
- Establish a collaborative physical therapy plan of care that is safe, effective, patient/client-centered, and evidence-based.
- Demonstrate accountability for the efficient, coordinated management of care (primary, secondary, or tertiary) based on the patient's/client's goals and expected functional outcomes.
- Implement safe and effective physical therapy intervention plans within a variety of care delivery settings including reflective practice leading to optimal outcomes.
- Provide effective education for patient/clients, caregivers, colleagues and the general public.
- Contribute to the advancement of physical therapy practice through critical evaluation and informed application of the findings of professional and scientific literature.
- Complete accurate and concise documentation in a timely manner that supports the problem solving process and follows guidelines and specific documentation formats required by the practice setting.
- Participate in the administration of PT services including delegation and supervision of support personnel, management planning, marketing, budgeting, reimbursement activities and clinical education of students.
- Provide consultation services to individuals and groups including by providing wellness and health promotion programs appropriate to physical therapy.
- Formulate and implement a plan for personal and professional development and life-long learning based on self-assessment, reflection and feedback from others.
- Demonstrate social and professional responsibility through mentoring and participation in professional and community organizations and activities.