DPT

USA
 

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

Entry-level DPT Program Outcomes - Click Here

Upon completion of the Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program, graduates will demonstrate the ability to:

1

Engage in personal and professional development and lifelong learning activities

  • Graduates who respond to the alumni surveys will move into residency, fellowship, specialization, and/or advanced degree opportunities within 5 years of graduation
  • Graduates will become clinical instructors within 5 years
  • Graduates will accept responsibility for evaluating new knowledge and its  relationship to effective patient care
  • Graduates will attend professional activities related to continuing education and clinical competence during the degree program

2

Practice physical therapy in a manner that supports cooperative relationships with patients/clients, other health care providers, and the community.

  • Graduates will effectively utilize community and interdisciplinary resources and services for patients and their families

3

Perform evidence-informed physical therapist practice based on foundational knowledge and professional clinical skills.

  • Graduates will demonstrate entry-level performance with diagnostic and prognostic reasoning, establishing patient impairments, functional limitations, disability and setting reasonable, measurable goals for individuals with movement dysfunctions across the lifespan
  • Graduates will be able to develop intervention plans that are safe, cost-effective, evidence-informed, and meet current ethical-legal standards for individuals with movement dysfunctions across the lifespan
  • Graduates will utilize outcome measures to determine intervention effectiveness for individuals with movement dysfunctions across the lifespan
  • Graduates will apply evidence from the professional/scientific literature to patient care

4

Interact in a professional manner that demonstrates effective communication for various audiences and purposes.

  • Graduates will treat patients of all socio-economic, nationality, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation with empathy and respect 
  • Graduates will demonstrate entry-level professional behaviors when interacting with others
  • Graduates will positively interact with individuals and groups to achieve desired goals in physical therapy 

5

Implement principles of ethical and professional behavior in physical therapist practice.

  • Graduates will be volunteer participants in the university-wide honor code
  • Graduates will treat patients of all socio-economic, nationality, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation with empathy and respect.
  • Graduates will demonstrate entry-level professional behaviors when interacting with others

6

Display qualities of leadership in physical therapist practice to advance the profession of physical therapy and the well-being of society

  • Program graduates will be informed about current political and/or regulatory issues that may affect physical therapy practice within their state
  • Graduates (after 1 year) are APTA members
  • Graduates are active in community service organizations

7

Apply critical thinking to evidence-informed decision making in physical therapist practice.

  • Graduates will utilize independent and sound decision-making during patient screenings and examinations for individuals with movement dysfunctions across the lifespan

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