School of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training

School of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training Website

The Pacific University School of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training offers education for entry into the profession of Physical Therapy, through the entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, and entry into the profession of Athletic Training, through the entry-level Master of Science degree in Athletic Training.

The Physical Therapy Program has been graduating professional physical therapists since 1977. In 1985, the degree Bachelor of Science was replaced by the Master of Science in Physical Therapy (MSPT) as the entry-level degree into the profession. In fall of 2000, this degree was replaced by the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. The Program was fully re-accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) in June 2016.

The Athletic Training Program has been graduating professional athletic trainers since it initially was accredited in 2014 by the Commission on the Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The program was fully re-accredited by CAATE in May 2021.

Mission

The School of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training educates and mentors students to become skilled, critical-thinking, and self-directed practitioners.

The mission is accomplished by preparing physical therapists and athletic trainers who provide compassionate, ethical, and innovative care, using an inquiry-driven team approach that focuses on the needs of individuals, the community, and the profession.

Vision/Program Goals

The School of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training at Pacific University will be renowned for:

Faculty and graduates who serve their diverse communities through advocacy and delivery of person-centered care.
Faculty and graduates who advance the practice of physical therapy and athletic training through post-professional education and original and translational inquiry.
Graduates who are innovative leaders in physical therapy and athletic training and who are integral members of the inter-professional healthcare team.
Inter-professional clinics that serve the needs of our communities and are fully integrated into the didactic and clinical components of the academic program.

Core Values

We embrace the values enacted by the College of Health Professions at Pacific University:

Diversity of people and ideas
Ethical and professional principles
Health equality
Professional and Public Advocacy
Community Health and Wellness

The School of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training is committed to seeking and creating opportunities for a multitude of people and ideas. We embrace individuals who represent a spectrum of lived experiences and backgrounds and believe that supporting diversity enhances our academic, clinical, and professional environment.

Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge the land on which we sit at the Pacific University College of Health Professions. What we call Washington County rests on traditional lands of the Atfalati, Tualatin Kalapuya, Clatskanie, Chinook and many other Tribes who made their homes here and were dispossessed and forcibly removed by the United States government. Today, many Native Americans continue to have sacrifices forced upon them while making important contributions to our society. Living and present communities contribute actively and vibrantly across the land we refer to as Washington County.In Oregon, the federal government revoked tribal sovereignty and reservation land to more than 60 tribes in 1953. Discriminatory housing policies in the 20thcentury including redlining and exclusionary zoning have led to the displacement of people of color. This acknowledgement establishes a commitment to dismantle the continuing legacies of settler colonialism.

Accreditation

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Pacific University is accredited through June 30, 2026 by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Clinical Education Experiences

Clinical Education

Academic Calendars

Physical Therapy
Athletic Training