The Doctor of Physical Therapy program will:

• Recruit and retain highly qualified students that, upon graduation, will provide clinical care and healthcare advocacy to the citizens of Maryland.
• Deliver a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students to be independent, entry-level practitioners.
• Develop students’ verbal and written professional communication.
• Cultivate a level of clinical competence to provide effective, efficient, and patient-centered healthcare in a variety of practice settings.
• Promote advancement of the physical therapy profession and lifelong learning through student participation in community health and professional activities.

The Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science faculty will:

• Demonstrate excellence in teaching.
• Produce scholarly products that enhance the physical therapy profession.
• Participate in service to the physical therapy profession and/or rehabilitation science.

Doctor of Physical Therapy students will:

• Synthesize evidence, clinical experience, and patient values to support clinical decision-making.
• Examine, evaluate, diagnose, and provide appropriate interventions for client/patient management across the lifespan.
• Demonstrate clinical competence in medically complex, rehabilitation, and community-based settings.
• Communicate effectively with patients, caregivers, faculty, peers, and clinical instructors.
• Demonstrate core professional behaviors during academic courses and clinical experiences.
• Participate in service and professional activities that promote the advancement of the physical therapy profession and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Graduates of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program will:

• Function as an entry-level, independent, point-of-entry physical therapist.
• Autonomously practice in a variety of healthcare environments.
• Effectively communicate with patients, caregivers, and health care professionals.
• Contribute to the daily operations of physical therapy services (i.e. timely documentation, billing and coding, supervising PTAs and aides).
• Initiate a plan for lifelong learning and continuing competence.
• Use evidence to inform critical thinking, decision-making and clinical practice.
• Individualize plans of care based on patient-specific needs.
• Advocate for the health and wellness needs of society.
• Adhere to professionalism standards as described by the APTA Standards of Physical Therapist Practice and Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist.
• Intend to obtain licensure and practice in Maryland.