School Vision

The University of South Florida, College of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences, through its collaborative initiatives, will be nationally recognized for its:

• Innovative, integrated, and interprofessional curriculum.
• Highly responsible, self-directed, capable, and caring graduates who advocate for their patients and the profession in a changing health care environment.
• Faculty who advance knowledge in physical therapy through scholarly activity.
• Leadership in the profession of physical therapy.
• Physical therapy center that is an integral component of the academic program.

Educational Philosophy of The School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences

We believe...

Interprofessional experiences enhance the future collegiality of healthcare professionals. 

Respect for individual and cultural differences is necessary for professional effectiveness in a global society.

Excellence in physical therapy professional education is best achieved through the partnership of academic faculty, clinical faculty, students, and the healthcare community.

An active learning environment is essential for the development of life-long learning, self-assessment, critical thinking, mutual respect, and intellectual curiosity.

Community, institutional, and faculty standards, values and expertise guide professional education including:

• The evolving knowledge base of physical therapy practice and education
• The APTA Guide to Physical Therapist Practice
• The APTA Code of Ethics and the Guide for Professional Conduct
• The APTA Normative Model for Physical Therapist Professional Education
• The APTA Statement on Professionalism in Physical Therapy: Core Values
• State statutes regulating health care delivery
• The Clinical Performance Instrument
• The Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education's Evaluative Criteria
  for Educational Programs for Preparation of Physical Therapists

Faculty contribute to the body of knowledge and advance the profession through scholarly work which may include basic and applied research, published works, and creation of innovative teaching and clinical materials or procedures.

Evaluating and using evidence for decision making, advocating for patients, and fulfilling responsibilities inherent in professional life demonstrates accountability to patients, peers, the profession and society.

Active involvement in the APT A and other professional organizations enhances professional development.

Student and faculty demonstrate commitment to service through participation

• on USF committees and task forces
• in the APTA and other professional organizations
• in other organizations, businesses and schools

Goals and Expected Outcomes of the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program

The major objective of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree Program is to graduate entry-level physical therapy practitioners who are prepared to:

• Demonstrate accountability to patients/clients, legal standards, ethical guidelines, organizations, and society.
• Demonstrate social and professional responsibility through mentoring, participation in professional and community organizations and activities, patient/client advocacy, and provision of pro bono services.
• Exhibit caring, compassion, and empathy in providing services to patients/clients.
• Demonstrate professional behavior in all interactions with patients/clients, family members, caregivers, other health care providers, students, other consumers, and payers.
• Communicate effectively with patients, colleagues and other constituents.
• Effectively educate others based on the needs of the learner.
• Identify, respect, and act with consideration for individual and cultural differences in all professional activities.
• Integrate and apply new knowledge and evidence to the patient/client management process.
• Excel in patient/client management, including the ability to:
  • demonstrate clinical decision-making skills including clinical reasoning, clinical judgment, and reflective practice.
  • screen patients/clients to determine the need for further examination or consultation by a physical therapist or referral to another health care professional.
  • examine and re-examine patients/clients by obtaining a history, performing systems reviews, and selecting and administering appropriate tests and measures.
  • evaluate examination data to make clinical judgments.
  • determine a physical therapy diagnosis and prognosis to guide patient/client management.
  • establish and implement a patient-/client-centered plan of care that is safe, effective, and fiscally responsible to meet the physical therapy related biological, psychological, and social needs of the patient/client from first contact through discharge planning across a variety of settings.
  • select and perform physical therapy interventions as designated in the current version of the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice.
  • complete thorough, accurate, analytically sound, concise, timely and legible documentation that follows guidelines required by the practice setting.
  • assess and analyze individual and group patient/client outcomes using valid and reliable measures.
• Provide physical therapy services for prevention, health promotion, fitness, and wellness to individuals, groups, and communities to positively influence the health of society.
• Participate in practice management including delegation and supervision of support personnel, management planning, marketing, budgeting, and reimbursement activities.
• Provide consultation to individuals, groups, and organizations.
• Engage in lifelong personal and professional development through self-assessment, reflection, education, and feedback from others.