DPT Class 2013 - Walk to End Alzheimers Disease. Phoenix, AZ.

Program Mission & Philosophy

The Physical Therapy Program Mission

The mission of the professional education program in physical therapy at Franklin Pierce University is to graduate one physical therapist at a time who is a knowledgeable, compassionate, self-assured, adaptable, reflective, and service-oriented practitioner. This graduate by virtue of the integration of mind, body, and spirit, critical thinking, life-long learning, and ethical values, renders independent judgments concerning patient or client needs, promotes the health of the client, and enhances the professional, contextual and collaborative foundations of practice.

These practitioners contribute to society and the profession through practice, teaching, administration, community service, and the discovery and application of new knowledge related to physical therapy.

Note: This mission statement is adapted from the model mission statement developed by the Coalitions for Consensus conferences facilitated by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

Physical Therapy Program Philosophy

The Philosophy of the Physical Therapy Program states that its members believe:

1. In the inherent worth of the individual and the value of diversity;
2. That the integration of mind, body, and spirit is important to the development of the individual, the educational process, and the promotion of high-level wellness;
3. In the autonomous practice of the profession;
4. In the inherent value of interdisciplinary collaboration and consultation;
5. In the application of evidence-based practice;
6. That community service is a powerful mechanism for teaching and learning;
7. That professional education in the health sciences must integrate the liberal arts and foster the development of the whole person;
8. That life-long learning is critical for all members of society;
9. That ethical thinking, behavior and social responsibility must be reinforced in health science education, and that faculty, students, and graduates should be aware of their obligations and rights;
10. Critical thinking is a core skill for all graduates;
11. That graduates contribute to society through work, teaching, family, community involvement, and the application of new knowledge related to their work and lives.