Breadcrumb
Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Mission
The mission of Pacific's physical therapy program is to prepare lifelong learners who are skilled, reflective, autonomous practitioners. The program is committed to furthering the body of knowledge of physical therapy and providing leadership within the profession advocating for optimal health, wellness and performance for all members of society. We accomplish this through a concise program of study emphasizing evidence-based reasoning and creative skills grounded in the basic and clinical sciences. Our academic program is enhanced by a wide variety of innovative clinical experiences and involvement in professional societies.
How Our Mission Translates into Commitments to Our Students
The mission of Pacific's physical therapy program guides every aspect of our curriculum, clinical education, scholarship, and service.
Prepare Lifelong Learners
Physical therapy is a dynamic profession that requires continual growth and adaptation. We are committed to developing graduates who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and the habits of lifelong learning necessary to remain current with emerging evidence and evolving healthcare needs throughout their careers.
Develop Skilled, Reflective, Autonomous Practitioners
Our curriculum is designed to cultivate clinical competence, professional judgment, and reflective practice. Students are challenged to evaluate their decisions, integrate feedback, and develop the confidence and independence needed to serve as autonomous practitioners.
Advance Evidence-Based Reasoning
Evidence-based reasoning is a cornerstone of the program. Students learn to integrate scientific evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values to support sound clinical decision-making and achieve meaningful outcomes for patients and communities.
Ground Our Practice in the Basic and Clinical Sciences
A strong foundation in the basic and clinical sciences supports all aspects of professional education. Students develop a comprehensive understanding of human movement, health conditions, and rehabilitation principles that inform contemporary physical therapy practice.
Further the Body of Knowledge of Physical Therapy
As a profession, physical therapy continues to evolve through scholarship, discovery, and innovation. We foster engagement with research and scholarly inquiry so that graduates are prepared to contribute to the advancement of professional knowledge and evidence-informed practice.
Provide Leadership Within the Profession
Leadership is essential to the future of physical therapy. We encourage students to engage in professional service, advocacy, and collaboration while developing the skills necessary to influence practice, education, healthcare systems, and the profession itself.
Advocate for Optimal Health, Wellness, and Performance
Our program prepares graduates to promote movement, function, and participation across the lifespan. Students not only learn to rehabilitation needs, but also prevention, health promotion, and performance enhancement in support of optimal health, wellness, and quality of life for all members of society.
Enhance Learning Through Innovative Clinical Experiences
Clinical education is integral to professional preparation. A wide variety of innovative clinical experiences allows students to apply knowledge in authentic practice settings, refine clinical skills, and develop professional competence under the guidance of experienced clinicians.
Engage with Professional Societies
Active participation in professional organizations helps students understand their responsibilities as members of the profession while fostering leadership, service, advocacy, and professional identity formation.
Prepare Graduates Who Are Ready for Practice
Students in Pacific's Doctor of Physical Therapy program learn skills and techniques necessary for:
- Examining and evaluating patients with health-related conditions, impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities to determine a diagnosis toward which the physical therapy intervention will be directed.
- Alleviating impairments and functional limitations by designing, implementing, and modifying therapeutic interventions.
- Preventing injury, impairments, functional limitations, and disability, including promoting and maintaining fitness, health, and quality of life in all age populations.
- Engaging in consultation, education, and research.
Become the Future of Physical Therapy at Pacific
Learn more about how we live our mission in educating and training physical therapists who are practice-ready leaders who improve the health, wellness, and performance of the individuals and communities they serve.
