Program Mission
The mission of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is to advance physical therapy practice using best evidence and interprofessional educational opportunities that engage and support students in their development into knowledgeable, skilled, reflective, and collaborative practitioners. These characteristics will reflect the values and principles of contemporary health care with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life of all communities, holding a deep commitment to the vast Appalachian region.
Our mission in combination with the missions of the College and University and physical therapy professional practice documents, have guided the development and will guide the implementation and ongoing assessment of the Program.
Overall, our goals reflect skilled clinical practice through the demonstration of cognitive, psychomotor, and affective skills necessary to perform all elements of patient management within the systems-based courses in the curriculum. Their development was guided by the following documents:
Program Goals
- Goal 1. Prepare students to excel as members of cohesive interprofessional teams to provide comprehensive care communities in the Appalachian region and beyond.
- Goal 2. Increase the number of contemporary physical therapists in states encompassing the Appalachian region and beyond.
- Goal 3. Provide an inclusive, student-centered, and diverse learning environment.
Student Goals
- Goal 1. Students will demonstrate thorough knowledge and use sound critical reasoning skills to make appropriate clinical decisions.
- Goal 2. Students will apply the skills necessary to integrate research into clinical decision-making.
- Goal 3. Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively work as a member of an interprofessional team to provide quality health care to patients.
Graduate Goals
- Goal 1. Graduates will serve as competent physical therapists.
- Goal 2. Graduates will engage in life-long learning.
- Goal 3. Graduates will be prepared to effectively work as a member of an interprofessional healthcare team.
