Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy

The Physical Therapy program has three major goals around which the curriculum is organized.  The goals include:

1. Understanding and application of knowledge;
2. Acquisition of clinical skills; and
3. Development of professional behaviors.

Specific curricular objectives are identified under each of these general goals.

Knowledge:

1. To integrate the theoretical and scientific bases of Physical Therapy from classroom to clinical settings;
2. To analyze the biological, psychological, social, cultural, and environmental determinants of health, and their relationship with one another;
3. To evaluate the basic principles and methods of scientific inquiry and critical appraisal;
4. To assess the importance of prevention, health maintenance, health promotion and treatment; and
5. To evaluate the importance of research findings to physical therapy and society.

Clinical Skills:

1. To demonstrate clinical reasoning skills for the management of health care problems;
2. To demonstrate competence in assessment and treatment techniques in physical therapy;
3. To demonstrate critical thinking skills;
4. To assess effectiveness of professional practice;
5. To function as members of an inter-professional health care team;
6. To demonstrate effective oral, written, and nonverbal communication skills that enable one to collaborate with patients, family, health care team members, and the community;
7. To function in advocacy roles in order to enhance quality of life;
8. To demonstrate teaching and supervisory skills in professional practice;
9. To implement programs for prevention, health maintenance and health promotion;
10. To adapt to and initiate change;
11. To integrate information from foundation sciences, transcurricular processes, and clinical science; and
12. To evaluate treatment and service outcomes in relation to accountability, cost effectiveness of services, and efficacy of services.

Professional Behavior:

1. To recognize, develop and maintain the personal qualities that are required for continued professional development;
2. Exhibit an appropriate therapist-client relationship;
3. Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior;
4. To function as self-directed, life-long learners and leaders in the profession;
5. To demonstrate respect and sensitivity towards diversity and the impact this may have on patients, families, caregivers, and the community;
6. To advocate for public policy issues confronting to health care systems;
7. To provide service to the general community by active educational/informational presentations; and
8. To contribute to the professional community by active involvement at the local, state, and national levels.