Philosophy

The faculty of the Physical Therapist Assistant program believes that people have intrinsic value and the right to optimal health throughout their lives. Physical disablement often limits an individual’s ability to become a fully functioning member of society. Physical therapy is integral to the prevention of disability as well as to the maintenance or rehabilitation of individuals to their maximal abilities.

To meet the physical therapy needs of society, physical therapist assistants must be prepared in an educational program which emphasizes competency and safety in providing skilled services. The program provides learning experiences which support students in the attainment in knowledge and in the development of the skills and professional behaviors necessary to practice safely and ethically. The physical therapist assistant graduate is a health care team member who functions under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist, is an effective communicator with skills in teaching and implementation of physical therapy interventions. As the practice of physical therapy evolves, students and faculty are committed to on-going professional development and improvement of health care.