The Physical Therapy Program prepares students for the demands of clinical practice. To ensure student success and patient safety, all students must demonstrate essential functions at program entry (matriculation) and maintain these capabilities throughout the curriculum. Faculty continuously assess these abilities through coursework and clinical experiences to prepare students for safe, effective physical therapy practice.
Sufficient gross and fine motor abilities to provide safe and effective patient care, including physical examinations, therapeutic interventions, and handling of equipment and assistive devices.
Functional use of visual, auditory, tactile, and proprioceptive senses to accurately observe, assess, and monitor patient conditions and responses.
Capacity for critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and sound judgment to effectively evaluate information and solve problems in dynamic healthcare settings.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively—verbally, nonverbally, and in writing—with patients, families, faculty, and members of the healthcare team.
Ability to prioritize, organize, and execute tasks efficiently and reliably under time constraints.
Capacity to interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds and adapt to various clinical and cultural environments with professionalism and respect.
