Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared to demonstrate proficiency in the following areas:

Cognitive Functions

  1. Comprehend, integrate and analyze complex information from program content and apply it in laboratory, simulated and real patient situations.
  2. Effectively and efficiently utilize classroom, laboratory and experiential information to create interventions for real and simulated patients.
  3. Access, critique and analyze information from the professional literature, clinical experience and patient input to provide evidence-based interventions.
  4. Demonstrate the ability to utilize teaching and learning theory to appropriately educate patients, students, colleagues, peers, the general public/community groups and other health professionals.
  5. Assess movement dysfunction and efficiently develop an appropriate plan of care.
  6. Properly document physical therapy assessment and plan of care.
  7. Demonstrate legally and ethically sound leadership and management skills in patient care and other situations.
  8. Identify and analyze factors affecting the health of society, healthcare policy, access, delivery and quality and demonstrate the ability to create prevention and health programs to meet the needs of various patients and community populations in various settings.
  9. Utilize professional skills, knowledge and community resources to advocate for patients and members of the community.
  10. Consider and integrate knowledge and evidence about psychosocial interaction/factors, diversity and cultural competence in all aspects of practice.

Affective Functions

  1. Establish professional, respectful, empathic relationships with individuals from a variety of lifestyles, cultures, ages, socioeconomic backgrounds and abilities.
  2. Develop and maintain effective professional, peer, patients/client and family, and community relationships.
  3. Work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
  4. Utilize effective, appropriate, informative and culturally sensitive communication with patients, families, colleagues and others.
  5. Identify and address the psychosocial impact of movement dysfunction and disability and plan care accordingly.
  6. Demonstrate adherence to deadlines and time constraints in practice.
  7. Demonstrate the ability to effectively manage stress during all peer and patient interactions.
  8. Practice and delegate responsibilities in a safe, ethical, and legal manner, following guidelines established by federal, state, and local law, the University, clinical facilities, the American Physical Therapy Association, and related professional organizations.
  9. Demonstrate responsibility for self-assessment, professional development, and life-long learning.
  10. Respond to sensitive patient situations and emergencies in a calm, safe, and professional manner.
  11. Utilize effective and proper English grammar in spoken and written communication.
  12. Interpret the verbal, non-verbal, and written communications of others and respond in an appropriate, professional manner.
  13. Place the needs of the patient before his/her own.

Psychomotor Functions

  1. Safely, reliably, and efficiently evaluate and provide interventions that are consistent with currently established best practices to patients across the lifespan.
  2. Effectively and consistently practice standard precautions.
  3. Effectively read instructions, manipulate and safely operate physical therapy equipment and devices.