Doctor of Physical Therapy

Overview

Mission Statement

Our mission is to integrate education, research, and clinical practice to provide sound professional preparation in order to graduate physical therapists who are competent, compassionate, and ethical and who will serve their patients/clients and communities through the practice of quality, evidence-based physical therapy.

Our Vision

The University of Jamestown Physical Therapy program will create an environment of critical thinking and innovation to:

• Enhance the student experience and learning opportunities
• Promote excellence in evidence-based practice and clinical research
• Promote community health and wellness

Licensure and Other Information

The Physical Therapy Program is a residential program. Students must attend classes in person at the Fargo campus.

• Students who graduate from the physical therapy program at the University of Jamestown are able to obtain licensure in all 50 states within the United States. Thus, the Physical Therapy Program meets the licensure requirements in any state where a student wishes to obtain licensure.
• The Physical Therapy Program is accredited by Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), a national accrediting body. Students who graduate from the physical therapy program take a National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), which is regulated by a national licensing authority in physical therapy, the Federation of State Board of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). The FSBPT performs regulatory functions in accordance with accepted statutes.
• University of Jamestown Physical Therapy Program is an NC-SARA participant. This participation allows for effective and efficient reciprocal state-level education. This agreement allows students to travel to other NC-SARA states for clinical experiences.

CAPTE Accreditation

The Physical Therapy Program at the University of Jamestown is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE),3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 701-356-2136 or email ptadmissions@uj.edu.

Admission and Costs

Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Admission Information

There are two avenues to be admitted into University of Jamestown Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.

1. Direct Entry: Applications submitted as a senior in high school or undergraduate at the University of Jamestown, can be accepted to the Physical Therapy Program without applying through PTCAS (see below). The Physical Therapy Program will hold a position for the applicant, pending successful graduation from the University of Jamestown.
2. PTCAS.org: Application through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service.

Individuals wishing to apply to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program for admission need to apply using the PTCAS online application. The PTCAS application will be available in July each year on the PTCAS website at www.ptcas.org.

The University of Jamestown Physical Therapy Program will hold interviews in November and February each year.  The deadline to submit applications for the November interviews is October 1; the deadline for February interviews is December 31. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until May 1 or until the class is full.

Information to complete the application needs to be entered and/or uploaded into PTCAS by the application deadline.  Upload all required documents into PTCAS for processing; do not mail documents to the Program.  Incomplete applications are not accepted.
Qualified applicants will be invited to interview at University of Jamestown in the fall or spring prior to beginning the Program.  All costs associated with this interview are the responsibility of the applicant.

University of Jamestown Doctor of Physical Therapy Program gives priority to graduates of University of Jamestown, Jamestown, ND; and gives preference to graduates of Minnesota State University Moorhead, Moorhead, MN; Concordia College, Moorhead, MN; and North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND.
Contact with applicants will be via the contact information provided in PTCAS.

Admission to the Program is determined on the following criteria:

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution prior to matriculation
• Official transcripts from all higher learning institutions that you have attended
• A minimum GPA of 3.00/4.00 in all undergraduate courses (GPA calculation includes repeated courses)
• A minimum GPA of 3.00/4.00 in all prerequisite courses listed in the prerequisite table; GPA calculation includes repeated courses).
• Strongly encouraged to complete of a minimum of 40 hours observation, volunteer, and/or paid work in a physical therapy setting signed by a licensed physical therapist
• Signed Essential Function Requirements form
• Personal essay
• Two letters of recommendation:
  • One from work supervisor or professor
  • One from licensed physical therapist or professor in major 
• All coursework and a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in the United States must be completed by June 1 prior to beginning the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. TOEFL scores are not required of candidates who have attended and graduated from an accredited US institution. 

University of Jamestown protects applicant rights, including due process. If an individual feels that he or she has been treated unfairly in the admissions process, he or she may wage a complaint with the Admissions Review Committee. The Admissions Review Committee is composed of the Director of the Physical Therapy Program and the Provost. 

Doctor of Physical Therapy Prerequisites

Eight of the eleven prerequisite classes must be successfully completed by the end of the fall semester prior to beginning the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.

All coursework, including a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, must be completed prior to beginning the program.

Any coursework completed after the fall semester will not count toward cumulative or prerequisite GPA calculations, but will need to be completed and meet minimum requirements prior to matriculation

Prerequisite Table

Program Costs

First Year

Second Year

Third Year

†Amounts estimated based on student surveys.

Basic Tuition

*Tuition for students during the 2021-2022 academic year is $710 per credit, with typical annual tuition rate increases of about 4%, but subject to change. Basic tuition does not cover items listed in Professional Fees below. Tuition, and other costs, are subject to revision by the University on an annual basis.

Books

Cost for books will vary dependent on the faculty member teaching the course and requirements for the curriculum.

Professional Fees

Includes Technology, APTA Membership, ExamSoft, Exxat, and clinical education fees.

Enrollment Deposit

This is a one-time $400 charge, applied to the first semester tuition bill.

**Additional costs may be associated with transportation and housing related to clinical experiences.

Transfer Credit Policy 

University of Jamestown Physical Therapy Program does not accept courses in transfer for program credit.

Requirements

Students in the DPT program are expected to complete 118 credit hours over the course of 8 semesters in order to graduate from the program. 

Program Requirements in order to Graduate 
There are several requirements that must be fulfilled in order to graduate from the program. All of these requirements are completed throughout the curriculum:  

• Complete and pass all required didactic coursework. 
• Complete and pass all required clinical experiences. 
• Pass a PEAT (practice board exam). 
• Complete 50 hours of volunteer activities.  
• Complete all Professional Behavior forms utilized during advising meetings. 
• Complete electronic portfolio, and present to their academic advisor.

Required Courses

Total Credit Hours: 118

Essential Function Requirements

Participation in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program requires that each student possess the ability to meet the Essential Function Requirements of the program.

1. Observation Skills

• Each student must be able to participate actively in all demonstrations and laboratory exercises throughout the curriculum.
• Each student must be able to accurately make observations both near and at a distance.
• Observation and information acquisition requires the functional use of vision and sense of touch and is enhanced by the functional use of all of the other senses.

2. Communication Skills

• Each student must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients in order to elicit information, describe changes in mood, activity and posture, and assess nonverbal communications.
• Each student must be able to effectively and efficiently transmit information in verbal and written form to patients, fellow students, faculty, staff, and all members of the healthcare team.
• Each student must possess required communication skills, which include speaking, reading, and writing, as well as the observation skills described above.

3. Motor Skills

• Each student must have sufficient motor function to elicit information from patients by palpation, auscultation, percussion, and other diagnostic maneuvers.
• Each student must be capable of performing basic laboratory tests, possess all skills necessary to carry out diagnostic procedures, and execute the motor movements reasonably required to provide general care and emergency treatment to patients.
• Each student must have sufficient postural control, neuromuscular control and eye-to-hand coordination to perform profession-specific skills and tasks (for example, move at least 50 pounds vertically and horizontally).

4. Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative Abilities

• Each student must be able to measure, calculate reason, analyze, and synthesize. Problem solving, the critical skill demanded of physical therapists, requires all of these intellectual abilities.
• Each student must be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and to understand the spatial relationships of structures.
• Each student must have the capacity to perform these problem-solving skills in a timely fashion.

5. Behavioral and Social Attributes

• Each student must be able to fully utilize his or her intellectual abilities and exercise good judgment. Prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients is required.
• Each student must be capable of developing mature, sensitive and effective relationships with patients and others.
• Each student must also be able to tolerate taxing workloads, function effectively under stress, adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of many patients.
• Each student must have compassion, integrity, concern for others, effective interpersonal skills, willingness and ability to function as an effective team player, and interest and motivation to learn.

6. Professional Behaviors and Conduct

• Each student must possess the ability to reason morally and practice in an ethical manner.
• Each student must be willing to learn and abide by professional standards of practice.
• Each student must possess attributes consistent with the seven core values (accountability, altruism, compassion, caring, excellence, integrity, professional duty, social responsibility), and the Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist, and in addition demonstrate empathy, honesty, and tolerance.
• Each student must be able to engage in patient care delivery in all settings and be able to deliver care to all patient populations including but not limited to children, adolescents, adults, developmentally disabled persons, medically compromised patients, and vulnerable adults.
• Each student must practice safely, ethically, and legally.

Students with disabilities are expected to perform all the essential functions of the Program with or without reasonable accommodation. The University will work with each student and the respective campus disability office to provide, if possible, reasonable accommodations. While the University will make every effort to work with our students with disabilities to accommodate their disability-related needs, it is important to note we are not required to provide requested accommodations that would fundamentally alter the essential qualifications, functions, technical standards, or other academic requirements of the Program, or result in an undue financial or administrative burden.

Students who may not meet the Essential Function Requirements must inform the Director of the Physical Therapy Program, who will then contact the Provost. The Provost, in consultation with the Director of the Physical Therapy Program will identify and discuss what accommodations, if any, the University (Program) would need to make that would allow the candidate to complete the curriculum.

The University (Program) is not able to grant accommodations that alter the educational standards of the curriculum. Students must meet the Essential Function Requirements for the duration of enrollment in their professional program.

The essential functions outlined above have been formulated based on the mission, vision statement, and goals of the Program and the University; the guidelines of the Commission on Accreditation for Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association; Professional Behaviors for the 21st Century; the Guide to Physical Therapy Practice 3.0; the Normative Model of Physical Therapist Education; the APTA Guide for Professional Conduct; and the Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist. In addition, although not serving as a primary basis for this document, several policy statements from other universities were reviewed by the Essential Functions Committee of the Program in Physical Therapy to provide a framework for the organization of this document.

Professional Behavior Expectations

Students will strictly adhere to the Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist and the APTA Core Values for the Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant. The Program will use the Professional Behaviors Assessment adopted from Marquette University as a guide for student professional development. Each student will meet once a semester with his or her advisor to review his or her professional behavior. Before meeting with his or her advisor each student will:

1. Read the description of each Professional Behavior.
2. Become familiar with the behavioral criteria described in each of the levels.
3. Complete the self-assessment electronic form of his or her performance, relative to the Professional Behaviors.
4. Meet with his or her advisor, review, and discuss the form.
5. The student may have to make changes and re-submit another copy.
6. Once the advisor and the student reach an agreement and the form is complete, submit in Tk20.
7. This completed form, along with advisor comments on a Student Encounter Form, are kept in the student’s file, secured in a locked file cabinet in the File Room.

If there are significant problems, as identified by the student’s advisor:

• The student and his or her advisor will develop a Professional Behavior Action Plan.
• The student and his or her advisor will continue to review the Professional Behavior Action Plan until the problem is resolved or criteria is met.
• All Professional Behavior Action Plans met are kept in the student’s file, locked in a file cabinet in the File Room.
• If a student does not meet the Professional Behavior Action Plan, he or she will be on Program probation.

Students are guests at clinical sites. Safety, professional behavior, accountability, and communication are considered foundational elements in clinical practice and expected at all times.

Students are required to be members of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), and they will strictly adhere to the Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist and the Guide for Professional Conduct.

Risks and Precautions

Students may participate in clinical activities that may have certain inherent risks associated with them. There are potential risks associated in working with patients/clients and therapeutic equipment. The University of Jamestown Physical Therapy Program considers the safety of students, faculty, and patients/clients essential, and thereby includes safe practice education in all assessment and skill courses.

Plan of Study

First Year

Fall

Spring

Summer

First 6 weeks

Second 6 weeks

Second Year

Fall

First 10 weeks

Last 6 weeks

Spring

Summer

First 6 weeks

Second 6 weeks

Third Year

Fall

Spring

Final Week

Total Credit Hours: 118

Program Policies

Academic Standards

Each student is in good standing in the Program if he or she maintains a cumulative GPA of 3.0. A grade of D or F constitutes an unsatisfactory grade in the physical therapy courses. A student receiving a D or F does not progress to courses for which the failed course is a prerequisite. 

Readmission after PT Course Failure

A student does not continue in the Program after receiving one D or F in a physical therapy course. The student will have to repeat and pass the failed course the next time it is offered. A student who fails a physical therapy course is strongly advised to work with their advisor to formulate a plan outlining actions to facilitate successful course completion. 
After receiving a D or an F in a subsequent physical therapy course, a student will be ineligible for continued progression through the Program and is subject to dismissal. 

Probation

A student is on probation when his or her cumulative GPA drops below 3.0. A student will have one semester to raise his or her cumulative GPA to 3.0. If after that semester the cumulative GPA is still below 3.0, the student may be subject to dismissal from the Program. A student may be unable to attend a clinical experience (PT 881, PT 882, PT 883, or PT 884) while on probation. 
A student may be placed on probation when the student does not meet the Professional Behavior Action Plan guidelines. A student will have one semester to meet the Professional Behavior Action Plan guidelines. If after that semester the guidelines are not met, the student may be subject to dismissal from the Program. A student may be unable to attend a clinical experience (PT 881, PT 882, PT 883, or PT 884) while on probation. 

Examinations and Quizzes

Personal calculators or other electronic devices are not allowed during exams or quizzes unless approved by the faculty member teaching the course. 
Each student will also be required to leave his or her backpack in the front of the classroom or in his or her locker. 
Each student will be required to turn his or her mobile phone off, remove his or her watch, and leave both in his or her backpack. All other electronic devices must be left in his or her backpacks with the exception of a laptop or tablet required for an electronic examination. 

Types of Examinations 
The Program utilizes two types of examinations: written examinations and skill-related practical examinations. The faculty member teaching the course determines the number, type, and schedule of examinations. Check the course syllabus for information. 
The practice of physical therapy requires the integration of information presented in all courses. Consequently, both written and practical examinations may include questions that require the student to use knowledge and skills from previous as well as concurrent courses. 

1. Written Examinations

• Written examinations are either hard copy or electronic via ExamSoft. The faculty member teaching the course will indicate the method required. 
  If ExamSoft does not operate properly on your computer, several computers are available in the Program office to check out for the examination. 

2. Practical Examinations 

• Any course with a laboratory component may include at least one skill-related practical examination. Practical examinations may be scheduled outside of regular class time at the discretion of the faculty member teaching the course. Many practical examinations are pass or fail. If the practical is not pass or fail, faculty have adopted a consistent policy that each student must earn a grade of at least 84% on each physical therapy skill-related practical exam. If a student receives a grade below 84% or fails due to safety reasons, the student must take a reexamination. The student receives the minimum grade of 84% after passing the reexamination. 

Retaking a Practical Examination

Prior to the practical reexamination, the student must meet with the faculty member teaching the course to identify deficiencies and to develop strategies to master the material. The format of the practical reexamination is at the discretion of the faculty member teaching the course. The format, however, will be the same for every student that needs to take a specific practical reexamination. 
Only one reexamination per practical examination will be allowed per student. The faculty member teaching the course and one additional faculty member will give the reexamination. The skills and knowledge to perform adequately and safely on practical examinations are critical to the practice of physical therapy. For that reason, if a student fails a given practical examination twice, that student will fail the course and may be subject to dismissal from the Program. 

Grading Scale

Each course syllabus includes grading information. Every student will be informed in each course of the methods to be used to evaluate his or her performance. All courses, for which a standard letter grade is given, will use the following scale: 
A:  92 – 100% 
B:  84 – 91% 
C:  76 – 83% 
D:  68 – 75% 
F:  0 – 67% 

Incompletes

A grade of Incomplete may be granted when a student is temporarily unable to complete course requirements or take a final examination due to unusual personal circumstances. Incompletes in classroom courses must be finished within four weeks of the beginning of the next semester, unless there is an extenuating circumstance that has been discussed with the faculty member teaching the course and the Program Director. Incompletes in clinical courses are outlined in the Clinical Education Handbook. 

Volunteer Service Hours

All DPT students are required to complete a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer service during their enrollment in the program. Volunteer service is any activity that serves others in the community, and the student does not receive any financial compensation. Students may earn volunteer hours by serving the community (i.e., working at HERO, or helping a community member with their home exercises), the program (i.e., being a Student Teaching Assistant), and their profession (i.e., as a UJPTSO class officer). See Program Resources in MyUJ for complete details. These hours are tracked using the form: UJPT Documentation of Volunteer Experience Hours. Student participation is tracked as part of PT 785 Clinical Education Theory V. 

Passing a PEAT

All DPT students are required to pass a PEAT, a practice physical therapy board examination, prior to graduation. The Program provides two PEAT examinations for students to take. If the student does not pass either of those examinations, the student is required to purchase a PEAT from the FSBPT. This information is tracked as part of PT 970 Seminar.  

Taking the NPTE Prior to Graduation

Students are allowed to take the NPTE prior to graduation. To do so, students must meet all of the following criteria: 

1. Participate in NPTE Preparatory course provided by UJPT

2. Pass the first PEAT that is provided by the program (through FSBPT, the Academic PEAT) 

3. Be in good academic standing:

• Coursework GPA above 3.0 
• Pass all clinical experiences to date, without remediation 
• Not currently on an academic action plan or probationary status

4. Approval from the Program Director and the core faculty

Once the student meets the program requirements stated above, the student may register to take the NPTE. The student will follow the registration process as outlined by the appropriate state licensing board and FSBPT. Students should register for licensure in the state where they plan to practice as a physical therapist. However, it may be easier to register in North Dakota, which is part of FSBPT’s Alternate Approval Pathway (AAP), then transfer state licensure after graduation. 
Upon graduation, the student must complete any requirements outlined by the appropriate state licensing board (i.e., submitting final transcript with degree conferred). 
Students that do not meet the requirements may appeal to the PD and will be considered on an individual basis. To appeal, the student must email the PD and explain why they believe they should be allowed to take the NPTE. Supporting evidence should be included in the explanation. The email must be received no later than one week after taking the PEAT. A decision will be made by the PD no later than one week after receipt of the email appeal. 

Graduation

A graduation intent form must be completed and submitted to the Registrar’s Office by April 30, one year prior to the expected date of graduation. This is the responsibility of the student. Forms are available from the Registrar’s Office. Each student must have a graduation intent form on file in the Registrar’s Office in order to be considered a candidate for graduation. 
Graduate students are to attend and participate fully in graduation activities including baccalaureate and commencement ceremonies. Information regarding graduation and regalia will be provided by the Program the fall semester before graduation. 
The formal conferring of degrees for the year occurs at the Commencement Ceremony in May. 

Graduation Rate

The following information is provided in accordance with Public Law 101-542, the “Student Right to Know Act” and by CAPTE. The most recent graduation rate for the Physical Therapy Programs are posted on the Program website under Graduate Outcomes tab 

Graduation Fee

The graduation fee helps to cover the costs associated with commencement and the graduation of the student. It does not include graduation regalia; the cost for the hood and tam is the responsibility of the student. The Program has robes available for use; however, a student may choose to purchase their own.

Health Policies

The Program requires the following health records for participation in Program activities and clinical experiences. Each student must provide a document showing proof of each upon entrance to the program and subsequent documents to maintain current health records throughout the program:  

• Good health statement: dated and signed statement from provider (physician, NP, PA) verifying that the student has been examined and found to be in good health for participation in the Physical Therapy Program.  This statement is required one time, prior to entering the program, unless the student has experienced a change in health status, in which case a new statement of good health for participation will be necessary.  

• Three Hepatitis B Vaccinations or report of a positive antibody titer (blood draw) 
• MMR vaccinations (measles, mumps, rubella).  
• Varicella vaccination or evidence of serologic evidence of immunity (blood draw)  
• Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination within the past 10 years.  
• Seasonal influenza vaccination or documentation from primary health care provider if student is medically unable to receive influenza vaccination.  
• COVID-19 Vaccination or completed University medical or religious exemption  
• Negative Tuberculosis (TB) blood test and annual negative TB skin or blood test
  
  - Chest x-ray and appropriate medical follow-up required if positive TB test  
• Any additional requirements specified by your clinical site, for example, a drug screen. 

Violations of Law and Student Conduct Regulations

Students may be accountable to both civil authorities and to the University for acts which constitute violations of law and of this Code. Student conduct proceedings at the University will normally proceed while criminal proceedings are pending and will not be subject to challenge on the ground that criminal charges involving the same incident have been dismissed or reduced. 

Academic Regulations

Student Attendance

The Program prepares a student for a professional role. Regular attendance and punctuality in all components of physical therapy are essential and required of all students. A Student Absentee Request Form must be completed if a student must miss class.
The sequential nature of the physical therapy curriculum makes it difficult to make up missed course requirements. The professional commitment and obligation of a student for the clinical portions of the curriculum preclude the options of a student for voluntary absences permitted in many university classes. Hence, it is understood that responsibility for meeting academic obligations as part of the educational program rests on the student.
If a student is ill, they must notify the faculty member teaching the course as soon as possible by a phone call or email.
If a student arrives late to class, they is expected to inform the faculty member teaching the course the reason for being late at a class break or the end of class. The faculty member completes a Student Encounter Form that will placed in the student’s file.
The third time a student is late for his or her scheduled course, it is reported to his or her advisor. The advisor will set up a meeting with the student to discuss it as a reoccurring problem.
Please be aware that scheduled class days and times may change or be moved, based on necessity or extenuating circumstances. If class days and times need to change, the lead instructor will notify the students as soon as possible of the change.
The Program recommends that students do not hold a job while enrolled as coursework must be a priority. Students that do choose to work must have flexibility with their job and be able to adjust their schedule to be available for all class sessions. If a change in meeting time for a regular scheduled class causes a conflict with a student’s work obligation, the student must contact the course instructor(s).

Student Attendance and Professional Behaviors During Online Classes

For all online coursework, it is recommended that students create a distraction-free workstation where they can attend class without disruptions from family, friends, roommates, or pets. It can be in a location of the student’s choice, but keeping a consistent distraction-free workstation will help students focus on their coursework. This workstation should have reliable internet service.
To facilitate an effective classroom environment in an online format, the following policies are:
1. Attendance during online classes is required.
2. Students are expected to be logged in and prepared for class by the scheduled start time. Everything you need for class should be ready at your work station.
3. Camera MUST be on, unless your instructor informs you that you can turn it off.
4. Audio should be muted, except when you are speaking with classmates or the instructor.
5. Position yourself in a way that you can view your screen, participate in class, and take notes as needed.
6. Do not move around the room or complete other tasks during class time. Anything that diverts your attention from class is unacceptable (i.e. talking to someone else in the room, viewing or listening to another device, playing with a pet, etc.)
7. Breaks will be provided for you to move around, use the bathroom, refill drinks, get a snack, etc.

Failure to comply with these guidelines could result in a Student Encounter Form, and repeated offenses could result in a Professional Behavior Action Plan. Failure to comply with the Professional Behavior Action Plan may result in the student being placed on Program probation for professional behavior reasons.
Attendance and punctuality in all components of physical therapy are essential and expected of all students. The same policies apply to online classes. You must be present and prepared for class in the same way you would for a face-to-face class. We also must remind you of the importance of adhering to professional and academic standards during online classes.

Student Absentee Request Policy

A student requesting absence from his or her scheduled course(s) will submit a self-remediation plan via email to the faculty member(s) teaching the course(s) the student will be absent from with the information listed below.
In the event the student is ill, the student will submit a self-remediation plan via email to the faculty member(s) teaching the course(s) upon return to class.
All of the information below must be included in the email to the faculty member(s) teaching the course(s):
• Name
• Date request made
• Reason for request, including date(s) of event
• Date(s) absent from class
• Justification for attendance at event
• Coursework that will be missed
• Self-remediation plan

After this has been received and reviewed by faculty members, they may approve, modify, or deny the request. Faculty members will determine if the self-remediation plan is acceptable.
A copy of the written request and the faculty members’ final decision will be attached to a Student Encounter Form (Appendix 5) and placed in the student’s file.
If the request is approved, the student will be excused from class and is expected to complete the remediation plan.
If the request is denied, the student will be expected to attend class.
If the request is denied and the student chooses not to attend class, the student will receive a zero for any coursework that day and an additional Student Encounter Form will be placed in the student’s file documenting the unexcused absence.

Leave of Absence

If it should become necessary for a student to withdraw from the University for extenuating circumstances in their personal life (for example, medical issues with the student or family member, family death, etc.), and they find it difficult to be successful in the Program, the student may request a leave of absence from the Program.
Poor academic performance alone does not qualify for a leave of absence.
Typically, this leave of absence would be one year in length, due to the progressive nature of the curriculum. Any student contemplating taking a leave of absence should discuss this with his or her faculty advisor. The advisor will also work with the student to ensure that they are receiving all appropriate support services from the University.
A student who requests a leave of absence must submit a letter of request to the Program Director. The request must include:
• The reason for the request
• The length of leave being requested
• The student’s proposed plan of remediation of the problem which necessitates withdrawal
Because of the unique nature of such situations, each case will be handled individually. Once the decision has been made, the student will be notified in writing. The letter of notification will include the following:
• The decision, including length of leave granted
• Any conditions to be met by the student
• An outline of the student’s options regarding the consequences of the leave of absence

Appeal Process

Any exceptions to policies in this catalog must be requested through the petition process. Petitions are available in the Registrar’s Office or the office of the Program Director. Petitions should be filled out completely with any supporting information attached and returned to the Registrar’s Office. 

Decisions regarding appeals will be made by the Program Director. If any question remains, the Program Director may refer the matter to the Provost who may, if he or she feels it is necessary, consult with the Executive Committee of the Faculty Senate. The decision of the Provost will be final in all cases. 

Outcomes

Student and Graduate Goals and Expected Outcomes:

Goal 1: Students and graduates will demonstrate competent, evidence-based physical therapy practice.

Expected Outcomes – Students and graduates will:

• Demonstrate knowledge required for entry-level physical therapy practice.
• Demonstrate skills required for entry-level physical therapy practice.
• Integrate patient values and circumstances, clinical expertise, and scientific literature to provide evidence-based physical therapy.

Goal 2: Students and graduates will demonstrate professional, compassionate, and ethical physical therapy practice.

Expected Outcomes – Students and graduates will:

• Exhibit professional conduct and behaviors consistent with the APTA Core Values.
• Adhere to professional standards as defined by the APTA Code of Ethics.

Goal 3: Students and graduates will serve their communities and the physical therapy profession.

Expected Outcomes – Students and graduates will:

• Engage in service to their communities.
• Demonstrate commitment to the physical therapy profession.

Program Goals and Expected Outcomes:

Goal 1: The Program will integrate education, research, and clinical practice to provide sound professional development.

Expected Outcomes – The Program will:

• Deliver a curriculum that aligns with national standards and evidence-based physical therapy practice.
• Facilitate scholarly activities through professional development opportunities and allocation of appropriate resources.
• Provide diverse opportunities for clinical practice and experience.

Goal 2: The Program will create an atmosphere of self-discipline, responsibility, and concern for the continuing growth of the individual.

Expected Outcomes – The Program will:

• Create an environment to maximize individual professional growth.
• Provide opportunities to enhance self-discipline and responsibility.

Goal 3: The Program will demonstrate a commitment to community service.

Expected Outcomes – The Program will:

• Engage with community partners to deliver relevant community service.
• Sustain formal community affiliations.

Faculty Goals and Expected Outcomes:

Goal 1: Faculty will demonstrate effective teaching consistent with the dynamic nature of physical therapy practice.

Expected Outcomes – Faculty will:

• Demonstrate effective teaching.
• Integrate content expertise and current scientific evidence into teaching.
• Engage in professional development related to teaching and learning.

Goal 2: Faculty will contribute to the scientific body of knowledge through scholarly activities.

Expected Outcomes – Faculty will:

• Engage in an ongoing scholarly agenda.
• Disseminate scholarship.

Goal 3: Faculty will serve their university, communities, and the physical therapy profession.

Expected Outcomes – Faculty will:

• Engage in service to the university and community.
• Demonstrate commitment to the physical therapy profession.