The Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum prepares professionals dedicated to maximizing physical potential for the advancement of human performance. The objective of the educational program is to produce physical therapists who can respond to complex patient/client needs quickly, scientifically and independently following graduation and licensure.

Physical therapists must be able to understand the interaction of the physiologic, biomechanical and behavioral factors that contribute to normal and abnormal movement and articulate the evidence for their evaluation and intervention decisions. Both basic science and clinical courses are offered within a scientific motor control framework.

Graduates will be able to meet the needs of clients in all areas of physical therapy service and be capable of serving as primary contact providers; functioning in the areas of health promotion, disease and injury prevention, acute care and rehabilitation; supervising support personnel; and collaborating and consulting with colleagues and other health professionals. We strive to respond to the needs of society by promoting rehabilitation and to the needs of the profession by providing leadership within the profession.

The Department prepares graduates for physical therapy practice, research, education, consultation and administration. This preparation involves the development of critical thinking, integration of new information with existing knowledge and development of the ability to investigate and communicate about professional matters. To meet these objectives, students have opportunities to interact with faculty and patients in a variety of patient care environments during course work. They also have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty and other students in the conduct of scientific inquiry through laboratory or clinical research or in community or patient education or advocacy.

Learning is viewed as a dynamic and interactive process, and the Department offers opportunities for active student participation. Academic and clinical faculty cooperatively plan and implement creative and progressive learning experiences. Because professional education values the development of appropriate professional behaviors, faculty members expect students to internalize and demonstrate professional values and ethical behavior and to meet explicit technical and behavioral standards. To ensure the most effective means of achieving its goals, the curriculum, based on feedback from a variety of interested parties, undergoes constant evaluation and revision.

Faculty harmony and unity of purpose are vital elements in effective education. Members of the academic and clinical faculty are team players, competent and accountable. They advocate self-evaluation and lifelong learning to meet the changing needs of society. The faculty shares the responsibility for fostering this awareness so that graduates possess the flexibility, adaptability and knowledge base to function effectively and progressively in contemporary society.