Expected Outcomes

The NYIT Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is designed to prepare students in the entry-level proficiencies needed in the practice of physical therapy. Upon completion of the program, the graduate will be able to:

• Determine the physical therapy needs of any patient or client through examination and evaluation
• Develop a plan of action to meet the individual's physical therapy needs
• Implement the physical therapy plan of action designed to maintain and restore strength, endurance, coordination, and range of motion to improve or restore function, promote healing, and relieve pain
• Communicate appropriately and effectively with patients and families, colleagues, and the public
• Adhere to safe, ethical, and legal practice
• Apply the administrative principles of planning, organization, supervision, control, and evaluation while working within or managing a physical therapy service
• Apply the basic educational concept of teaching within the clinical practice of physical therapy
• Apply the basic principles of statistics and research methodology within the practice of physical therapy
• Contribute to the quality of health in the community and to the improvement of the effectiveness of its health care systems
• Accept that being a professional is a continuing process and assume responsibility for professional and personal growth and development

Technical Standards
A physical therapist must have the knowledge and skills to function in a broad variety of clinical settings and to render a wide spectrum of therapeutic interventions. In order to perform the activities required of a professional, a physical therapy student must be able to learn, integrate, analyze, and synthesize data quickly, accurately, and consistently. This is the process of critical thinking. Multiple skills and abilities required include observation, communication, sensory/motor, behavioral, and social attributes. Reasonable accommodation can be made for persons with disabilities in some of these areas, but a physical therapy student must be able to perform in a reasonably independent manner.

Observation
All physical therapy students must have sufficient vision to be able to observe classroom lab demonstrations and exercises. In the clinical setting, they must be able to observe a patient accurately both at a distance and nearby. It is essential to have adequate visual capabilities to assess the change of abnormalities of the musculoskeletal or integumentary systems.

Communication
All physical therapy students should have the ability to clearly speak, hear, and observe in order to elicit and gather information, describe the findings, and understand any nonverbal behavior. They must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with fellow students, faculty, patients, and other health care providers. This includes the ability to read and communicate, both verbally and in writing, in English, using appropriate grammar and vocabulary.

Sensory/Motor
All physical therapy students need enhanced tactile abilities and must have sufficient motor function and muscular strength to execute those movements required in the evaluation and treatment of patients. This may include, but is not limited to:

• Ability to safely handle and lift patients, guard patients during ambulation, and perform therapeutic procedures, such as joint mobilization
• Ability to adjust and position equipment and patients, which involves stooping to floor level and reaching overhead
• Ability to assist and/or resist patients, or to provide emergency care, which may involve prolonged sitting, standing, kneeling, or walking
• Ability to manipulate gauges, dials, small nuts/bolts, and or tools located on equipment or within the Department of Physical Therapy
• Ability to palpate, ausculate, percuss, or perform other evaluatory skills in order to obtain information

Behavioral and Social Attributes
Physical therapy students must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of their intellectual abilities, and the development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with others, especially patients. This also includes the ability to apply knowledge of principles, indications, and contraindication for physical therapy treatment interventions. Physical therapy education requires the ability to adapt to change, including treating people of diverse cultures, economic status, age, or those with emotional difficulties. This requires flexibility and a spirit of cooperation, as well as motivation.

Physical therapy students utilize touch during evaluation and treatment procedures and must be able to touch others in a sensitive professional manner, as well as tolerate being touched as part of the learning process. Professional behavior is expected, as well as attributes such as integrity, honesty, compassion, and strong interpersonal skills.

Clinical Education
Students must have successfully completed all prior coursework in order to be placed in clinical education. All physical therapy students will participate in a total of 36 weeks of clinical education located in a variety of settings. This requires eight-hour days, not including transportation time. This is a full-time commitment. The student must make themselves available during the hours determined by the coordinator of clinical education. These hours will not be adjusted for the schedule of the student. Students are discouraged from working elsewhere as the clinical experience demands more time in the clinical and independent learning setting. There will be specific clinical education objectives that must be met with each completed affiliation. Refer to the NYIT Physical Therapy Department Clinical Education Manual for full policies and procedures.