Mar 28, 2024  
Academic Catalog 2021-2022 
    
Academic Catalog 2021-2022 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

School of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training


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Faculty

Introduction

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 Physical Therapy Program educates and mentors students to become skilled, critical-thinking, and self-directed practitioners.

The mission is accomplished by preparing doctors of physical therapy 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 Physical Therapy Program 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 through post-professional education and original and translational inquiry.
  • Graduates who are innovative leaders in physical therapy 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

Accreditation

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

Clinical Education Experiences

Currently, the Physical Therapy Program affiliates with over 600 different clinical facilities. These include acute hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, private practices, school systems, specialized hospitals and home health agencies. Although the majority of these affiliates are in the Portland area or in Oregon, students go to many other states including Idaho, Utah, Alaska, Washington, Hawai’i, California, Arizona, Montana and Minnesota. Also available are international clinical partnerships in Italy, South Africa, and Belize these opportunities are available outside regularly scheduled programming and are at the student’s expense). New clinical sites are added continually in order to provide variety and quality to the students’ clinical experiences.

Students are required to participate in off-campus rotations for a portion of their clinical training and can expect to spend at least two clinical education experiences outside of the Portland-Metro area. Students are responsible for living and transportation costs incurred during these assignments. The faculty of the Physical Therapy Program reserves the right to make final decisions regarding clinical placements.

Programs

    Master of ScienceDoctor of Physical Therapy

    Courses

      Athletic TrainingPhysical Therapy

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