Student Learning Outcomes

The roots of our School of Physical Therapy are based on a strong commitment to cultivating compassionate, skilled, and innovative physical therapy professionals. Graduates will use evidence-based practice to optimize human movement and promote health and wellness in a dynamic healthcare environment. We are dedicated to advancing health and wellness for diverse populations through outstanding education, experiential learning, and exemplary service.

Mission

Educate and Inspire: Provide a high-impact, rigorous, and inclusive educational environment that prepares students to excel as physical therapy practitioners, leaders, and advocates in an ever-changing healthcare landscape.

Serve with Compassion: Embed a spirit of service and ethical practice in our community, encouraging students and faculty to engage with and contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities, locally and globally.

Promote Health Equity: Strive to eliminate health disparities and promote health equity through education, outreach, and advocacy, ensuring access to physical therapy services for all, particularly underserved and marginalized populations.

Cultivate Professional Growth: Support lifelong learning and professional development opportunities for our students, alumni, faculty, and the broader physical therapy community to adapt to the evolving needs of society and the profession.

Foster Collaboration and Inclusivity: Build an inclusive community that values diversity and collaboration among students, faculty, healthcare professionals, and partners, enhancing the educational experience and enriching the profession.

Student Outcomes Related to Patient Care

• Demonstrate proficiency in conducting comprehensive patient/client evaluations, including history taking, physical examination, and functional assessment.
• Design and implement safe, effective, ethical, and patient-centered physical therapy management plans, considering the unique needs, preferences, and goals of each patient.
• Demonstrate effective communication and collaboration with patients, family/carers, and other healthcare professionals to optimize patient outcomes and intra/interprofessional collaboration.
• Employ evidence-based therapeutic interventions to optimize patient movement, function, participation, and well-being.

Student Outcomes Related to Clinical Reasoning

• Use a holistic, collaborative, and multi-sensory approach to clinical reasoning inclusive of patient goals and perspectives
• Demonstrate reflective practice in self-performance and in all aspects of patient care, including diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention
• Develop and execute evidence-based assessment and intervention strategies to address impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions in all populations
• Critically appraise and apply scientific evidence to support clinical decision-making and practice.

Student Outcomes Related to Becoming a Physical Therapist

• Adhere to ethical principles and legal standards in physical therapy practice, respecting the dignity, rights, and autonomy of individuals.
• Engage in self-assessment for lifelong learning to maintain competence and respond to the evolving demands of patients, the healthcare system, and physical therapy practice.
• Demonstrate leadership, advocacy, and social responsibility in professional and community contexts to promote health and wellness and improve the physical therapy profession.
• Advocate for patients and the profession by navigating healthcare policy, legislation, and systems to improve access to physical therapy services.