Essential Functions and Technical Standards

The practice of physical therapy includes the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of people with physical disabilities, movement dysfunction, and pain. Physical therapists must be prepared to conduct, in a timely manner, a relevant patient examination; evaluate the results of this examination; and synthesize these data to establish an accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and plan of care. Physical therapists must implement appropriate interventions and use re-examination to assess outcomes. They must also possess the skills necessary to determine when referral to another health care professional is appropriate. Physical therapists are expected to demonstrate that the care they provide is effective, often through the use of evidence-based practice and clinically based research.

Graduates of entry-level programs must possess a broad base of knowledge and skills requisite for safe and effective practice. The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) requires that graduates be able to deliver entry-level clinical services and demonstrate intellectual–communication, behavioral–social, observational, and motor abilities consistent with the standards of the profession.

Certain disabilities may interfere with a student’s ability to complete the program of study and acquire the essential functions necessary for the practice of physical therapy. Reasonable accommodation can be made to compensate for some limitations; however, those that interfere with patient care, safety, or require the use of an intermediary may be incompatible with independent professional practice.

Clinical agencies may have additional or agency-specific technical standards, which take precedence over MCPHS University technical standards.

Essential Functions

• Participate in all required aspects of classroom, laboratory, and clinical education activities.
• Communicate effectively with other students, instructors, assistive personnel, patients, family members, payers, and other health care professionals.
• Maintain a safe environment for others and for themselves, including the appropriate use of universal precautions.
• Provide emergency care, including, but not limited to, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• Perform all elements of patient/client management, including examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention, and outcome assessment.
• Document patient care accurately, legibly, and in a timely manner.
• Implement patient/client interventions and treatments, including patient and family education, application of modalities, therapeutic exercise, and functional training.

Technical Standards

Intellectual and Communication Abilities

Intellectual skills include the ability to recall, comprehend, integrate, and apply large amounts of information to the examination, evaluation, and management of routine and complex physical therapy problems. Effective communication enables the physical therapist to elicit appropriate information from patients and others and to clearly explain examination findings and treatment procedures.

• Communicate clearly, effectively, and in a timely manner with patients, families, physicians, other health professionals, and colleagues.
• Report clearly and professionally in progress notes, charts, physician reports, insurance forms, and electronic health records.
• Integrate and apply evidence, theory, and clinical reasoning to make informed decisions and adapt to changing patient conditions.
• Participate in discussions and group meetings, receive feedback, and respond to questions appropriately.
• Recognize and respond promptly to verbal, visual, and auditory cues such as patient calls, warnings, or alarms.

Behavioral and Social Attributes

Students must demonstrate the emotional stability and maturity to practice in a professional and ethical manner. Compassion, integrity, respect for others, cultural humility, interpersonal skills, and motivation are essential personal attributes in physical therapy practice.

• Practice in a manner consistent with the APTA Core Values, demonstrating accountability, altruism, excellence, integrity, and social responsibility.
• Recognize and respond appropriately to individuals of all ages, genders, races, socioeconomic, religious, and cultural backgrounds.
• Manage the stress of heavy workloads, demanding patients, and urgent or life-threatening clinical situations.
• Accept feedback, engage in self-assessment, and demonstrate commitment to professional growth.
• Recognize and respond appropriately to potentially hazardous or unsafe situations.

Observational Skills

Observation is one of the key tools of the physical therapist. Accurate observation and interpretation of patient movement and environmental conditions are essential to effective care.

• Observe and interpret patient movement, posture, gait, and skin condition.
• Identify safety hazards and recognize subtle changes in patient appearance or behavior.
• Read and interpret equipment dials, graphs, charts, and digital data.
• Review and understand patient charts, professional literature, and electronic documentation.

Motor Skills

The practice of physical therapy requires sufficient motor function to safely perform basic evaluative and therapeutic procedures, many of which demand physical strength, coordination, and endurance.

• Safely lift, carry, and move patients or equipment up to 150 lbs., or provide appropriate instruction to others performing these tasks.
• Walk, balance, and assist patients with mobility and transfers while ensuring patient and self-safety.
• Palpate anatomical structures and handle injured body parts without causing harm.
• Demonstrate manual dexterity sufficient to manipulate equipment, perform CPR, and provide precise support during therapeutic exercise.
• Maintain physical and environmental tolerance for extended periods of standing, bending, reaching, and exposure to clinical settings.

Use of Technology and Documentation

Students must demonstrate the ability to use information technology and documentation systems essential to contemporary physical therapy practice.

• Use electronic health records and documentation systems accurately and efficiently.
• Employ technology for patient education, communication, and research.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA standards in all digital communications.

Program Expectation and Process

Students are expected to meet these essential functions and technical standards throughout the curriculum. Students who anticipate or experience difficulty in meeting these standards are responsible for notifying the Program Director and the University’s Office of Accessibility Services as soon as possible to discuss reasonable accommodations.