Physical Therapy

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Chairperson: Jennifer Collins, Ed.D., P.T., M.P.A. Professors: Collins, Ed.D., P.T., M.P.A. and Miller, P.T., D.C., O.C.S.; Associate Professors: Chau, Ph.D., P.T. and Elgelid, Ph.D., C.F.T.; Assistant Professors: Bartlett, P.T., Ph.D., M.P.A., Gombatto, Ph.D., P.T., and Vore, P.T., M.S.; Clinical Instructors: Novak, P.T., M.B.A. and Opett, P.T., M.S., O.C.S.; Director of Clinical Education: Mowder-Tinney, P.T., Ph.D., N.C.S., C.W.S.

The following Vision Statement was promulgated by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) in June 2000: APTA Vision Sentence and Vision Statement for Physical Therapy 2020 (HOD 06-00-24-35).

Vision Sentence By 2020, physical therapy will be provided by physical therapists who are doctors of physical therapy, recognized by consumers and other health care professionals as practitioners of choice to whom consumers have direct access for the diagnosis of, interventions for, and prevention of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities related to movement, function, and health.

Vision Statement Physical therapy, by 2020, will be provided by physical therapists who are doctors of physical therapy and who may be board-certified specialists. Consumers will have direct access to physical therapists in all environments for patient/client management, prevention, and wellness services. Physical therapists will be practitioners of choice in clients’ health networks and will hold all privileges of autonomous practice. Physical therapist assistants who are educated and licensed to provide physical therapist-directed and -supervised components of interventions may assist physical therapists. Guided by integrity, life-long learning, and a commitment to comprehensive and accessible health programs for all people, physical therapists and physical therapist assistants will render evidence-based service throughout the continuum of care and improve quality of life for society. They will provide culturally sensitive care distinguished by trust, respect, and an appreciation for individual differences. While fully availing themselves of new technologies, as well as basic and clinical research, physical therapists will continue to provide direct care. They will maintain active responsibility for the growth of the physical therapy profession and the health of the people it serves.

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