Physical Therapy (D.P.T.)

Health care professionals promote optimal health and well-being. Physical therapists focus on fostering concepts of health, wellness and fitness, injury prevention and maximizing functional outcomes for patients/clients and their families. Physical therapists function in a variety of settings within the community: hospitals, rehabilitation centers, pediatric facilities, geriatric treatment centers, extended care facilities, industry, sports medicine, private offices, and school systems. Physical therapists encounter patients of all ages, from newborn to elderly. Physical therapists assume responsibility for the patients, clients, and families with whom they interact. These professionals respond to the diverse, dynamic, and complex needs of society and recognize the value of life-long learning and the application of new knowledge.

The Physical Therapy department offers both an entry-level graduate program for initial entry into the profession, and a transitional program for licensed physical therapists who wish to upgrade their credential to the DPT. Both programs lead to the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

Entry-Level Program

The entry level program is registered by the New York State Education Department and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.

This curriculum integrates traditional instruction with case analysis to guide, stimulate, and challenge student learning, while fostering development as professionals with sound reasoning skills. Small group discussion of clinically relevant case studies provides context for learning; clinical education experiences are integrated throughout the curriculum.

The mission of the Utica College Physical Therapy Program is to educate students to become doctors of physical therapy who embrace the honor of their responsibility as professionals. Our faculty, students and graduates will demonstrate behaviors consistent with the mission of Utica College and the Core Values of the American Physical Therapy Association

Graduates are prepared to enter the profession of physical therapy to:

• Provide comprehensive physical therapy care to individuals across the lifespan and in a variety of practice settings;
• Assume the multifaceted role of patient/client manager that includes advocate, educator, supervisor, and consultant;
• Value and utilize precepts of lifelong learning; and
• Demonstrate behaviors that exemplify integrity, leadership, professional collaboration and social awareness.

Student Learning Goals

Graduates from this program will:

• demonstrate entry-level competence in all domains of professional practice (cognitive, psychomotor and affective).
• demonstrate evidence-based practice.
• demonstrate service to society.