Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Physical therapists are experts in human movement and function who serve patients/clients at all points along the continuum between health and optimal physical function and disease in a wide variety of circumstances and settings. Physical therapists must be autonomous, highly skilled practitioners to meet the needs of their patients and the expectations of society. Mission The mission of Pacific’s physical therapy program is to prepare lifelong learners who are skilled, reflective, autonomous practitioners. The program is committed to furthering the body of knowledge of physical therapy and providing leadership within the profession advocating for optimal health, wellness and performance for all members of society. We accomplish this through a concise program of study emphasizing evidence-based reasoning and creative skills grounded in the basic and clinical sciences. Our academic program is enhanced by a wide variety of innovative clinical experiences and involvement in professional societies. Learning Outcomes 1. Students will demonstrate safety and competence with current clinical skills. 2. Students will demonstrate clinical reasoning that utilizes both the best available scientific evidence and the patient’s perspective. 3. Students will demonstrate cultural competence. 4. Students will demonstrate attributes consistent with effective leadership and advocacy. 5. Students will demonstrate accurate self-reflection, as indicated by the ability to evaluate their own performance of cognitive, psychomotor, and affective skills for potential learning opportunities in the context of individual development and development of the physical therapy profession. 6. Students will demonstrate characteristics consistent with long-long learning. The entry level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree is a highly structured 25-month course of study, consisting of six consecutive trimesters. Coursework includes foundational sciences (anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology), clinical sciences, management of professional life and practice, clinical applications, and substantive clinical practical experiences. A major element of the program is the opportunity for students to be involved in meaningful professional clinical experiences under the supervision of carefully selected practitioners. Opportunities include acute care facilities, skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation sites in California and throughout the US. All students must successfully complete the clinical internship requirements as an inherent part of the professional program.