Physical therapists are experts in human movement and function who serve patients and clients at all points along the continuum between health and disease in a wide variety of circumstances and settings. Physical therapists must be autonomous, highly skilled practitioners to meet the needs of their patients and the expectations of society. These skills are optimally developed in a doctoral level graduate educational program that includes learning experiences in the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains and emphasizes the following: 

Basic sciences are the foundation on which the theory and practice of physical therapy is based.  Emphasis on basic sciences provides students with a solid framework in which to view established theory and practice of physical therapy in the educational setting, evaluate new theory and practice as they move to the clinical setting, and to contribute to theory and practice of physical therapy in the future. Additionally, a solid foundation in basic sciences provides students with the tools needed for clinical reasoning based on evidence, and a common language with which to communicate with other clinicians and scientists.

Professional behavior is an essential component of professional success and clinical excellence.  Students enter physical therapy programs with a wide variety of past experiences.  What constitutes appropriate professional behavior for a physical therapist may not be immediately obvious to all students. Therefore, we consciously emphasize professional behavior in the curriculum.

Clinicians who recognize, integrate, and respond to differences between individuals, as well as their vulnerabilities based on their social circumstances, become advocates and practitioners who respect the humanity of each person. Therefore, we intentionally include humility in the curriculum.

Ongoing and progressive clinical exposure promotes accelerated learning and development of clinical competence and facilitates continued student engagement.

Integration of clinical relevance in all courses promotes efficient acquisition of clinical reasoning skills.

Student-centered learning promotes intellectual rigor, depth, and accountability for each individual student and fosters the development of the independent learner.

Excellence in teaching practice results in a deep and efficient learning experience for the student, promotes clinical and intellectual excellence, and fosters lifelong learning.   

What This Means for Students

Commitment to a core curricular philosophy that involves an emphasis on basic science, professional behavior, humility, clinical relevance in all courses, early and progressive clinical experiences, student-centered learning, and excellence in teaching provides the foundation for an efficient and concise educational experience for students. The field of Physical Therapy and its practice is a dynamic and evolving profession. Following a rigorous and balanced 25-month professional program, graduates of Pacific’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program are prepared to meet the needs of their patients and society and to develop their expertise through their commitment to lifelong learning.

The Pacific Difference

Our curricular philosophy reflects a belief that exceptional physical therapists are developed through the intentional integration of science, clinical application, professional formation, and reflective practice. We prepare graduates to enter practice as autonomous, highly skilled practitioners who continue growing as leaders and lifelong learners throughout their careers.