Health care professionals promote optimal health and well-being. Physical therapists foster concepts of health, wellness and fitness, injury prevention and optimizing 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 serve 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 lifelong learning and the application of new knowledge.
The Department of Physical Therapy offers two doctoral programs, each leading to the clinical doctorate in PT, each program is distinct, offering education to meet the needs of the learners. The Entry Level Program (DPT) consist of three years, on-campus full-time study to prepare students to enter into the profession. The Post Professional (PPtDPT) enhances the preparation of Licensed Physical Therapists who aspires to have the doctoral degree commensurate with the vision for the future of the profession through a combined residency and online model.
Entry-Level Program
The Physical Therapy Program at Utica University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call (315) 792-3075 or email aelazza@utica.edu. Graduates are eligible for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and licensure in all states.
The entry-level DPT curriculum integrates traditional instruction with case analysis to guide, stimulate, and challenge student learning while fostering development as professionals with sound reasoning skills. To provide context for learning, small group discussions of clinically relevant case studies, hands-on laboratory practice, and clinical education experiences are integrated throughout the curriculum.
The mission of the Utica University Physical Therapy Program is to “Empower students to transform into successful professionals who care for others with competence, integrity and compassion.”
The Utica University Entry Level DPT curriculum meets the educational requirements that allow graduates to pursue a physical therapist license to practice that is required in the U.S. However, additional requirements for licensure or certification beyond these educational requirements may vary in each state. These additional, non-educational requirements may include jurisprudence assessment, criminal background check, professional liability insurance or others. Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with any other requirements in the state in which they intend to seek that license.
Student Learning Goals
Goal #1. The curriculum reflects current standards of physical therapist practice and prepares graduates to be skilled professionals with sound reasoning skills and capable of incorporating evidence into practice.
Physical therapy program students will:
1. a. Demonstrate the knowledge to provide comprehensive patient/client management across the lifespan and in a variety of practice settings.
1. b. Demonstrate the skills to provide comprehensive patient/client management across the lifespan and in a variety of practice settings.
1. c. Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary for professional practice administration.
1. d. Demonstrate sound clinical reasoning skills that are based on the best available evidence.
Goal #2. The DPT curriculum prepares students with entry-level professional behaviors.
Physical therapy program student will:
2. a. Demonstrate professional behaviors consistent with entry-level practice.
2. b. Demonstrate responsible behaviors toward society consistent with Utica University’s Mission and APTA Core Values.
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