Academics
Academics | BS/DPT Program | DPT Program
Mission
The Nazareth College Physical Therapy Program prepares physical therapists dedicated to lifelong learning, reflection, and accountability, who are grounded in intellectual, ethical, and aesthetic values. As participants in contemporary health promotion and care, the program graduate will possess the adaptive competence necessary to provide sound patient care, as well as preventive, educational, administrative, and consultative services that respect individuality.
Philosophy
Faculty of the Nazareth College Physical Therapy Program believe that a pre-professional foundation in the liberal arts and sciences promotes strong interpersonal and communication skills, innovation and creativity, problem solving, and critical thinking. The professional curriculum is designed to reflect current trends in autonomous, evidence-based practice, stimulating critical inquiry. The faculty creates an educational environment to promote the active participation of the students through a student centered curriculum, whereby students are responsible for learning. Ultimately, faculty serve as role models in demonstrating responsibility and accountability as teachers, advocates, clinicians, scholars, consultants, and administrators.
Goals of the Program
- Incorporate the mission of Nazareth College and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) throughout the curriculum
- Foster the core values of professionalism in the curriculum and in faculty and student activities
- Actively promote opportunities for faculty and student collaboration with local, regional, and national organizations
- Respond to societal trends and changes for continuous improvement of curriculum and practice.
- Contribute to the accumulation of evidence for teaching and clinical practice through faculty scholarship and faculty/student research
- Promote experiential learning in practice, administration, education, and consultation throughout the program.
- Promote faculty and student growth for the advancement of physical therapy practice
- Engage faculty and students in service to the community for rehabilitation, health, and wellness
Guiding Principles
- Students are responsible for own learning.
- Utilize the Nazareth Physical Therapy Clinics as a collaborative learning environment.
- Team-based, group activities simulate work environment and are encouraged as useful teaching/learning experiences.
- Self and peer evaluation are essential strategies for accomplishing personal and program goals.
Nazareth College Physical Therapy Program Curricular Philosophy
The faculty of the Nazareth College Physical Therapy Program believes that a pre-professional foundation in the liberal arts and sciences promotes strong interpersonal and communication skills, innovation and creativity, problem solving, and critical thinking. The professional curriculum is designed to reflect current trends in autonomous, evidence-based practice, stimulating critical inquiry. The faculty creates an educational environment in which students are responsible for learning. Faculty serve as role models in demonstrating responsibility and accountability as teachers, clinicians, scholars, consultants, and administrators who are committed to serving community health needs.
Naz PT Students:
Just the facts...
92% Graduation rate
98.7% NPTE Licensure Exam Pass Rate
100% Employment Rate
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Terminal Curricular Objectives
Graduates of the Nazareth College Physical Therapy Program will be able to:
1.0 Apply the knowledge, skills, and values obtained in liberal and professional studies to the multiple roles required of a physical therapist.
1.1 Demonstrate clinical reasoning, judgment, and reflective practice.
1.2 Respond to a changing health care environment.
1.3 Critically evaluate literature related to clinical and professional issues and problems.
2.0 Utilize the patient/client management model for persons with movement dysfunction to optimize outcomes throughout the lifespan.
2.1 Perform screening and/or comprehensive examinations.
2.2 Interpret the results of selected tests and measures and make necessary clinical judgments to complete the physical therapy evaluation.
2.3 Develop a physical therapy diagnosis, plan of care, and prognosis.
2.4 Provide all components of physical therapy intervention effectively and safely.
2.5 Evaluate the outcomes of physical therapy intervention to modify and progress the plan effectively.
2.6 Complete thorough and accurate documentation to facilitate evidence based practice.
3.0 Engage in professional activities that reflect and advance the expectations of contemporary practice.
3.1 Identify and engage in opportunities to teach others.
3.2 Coordinate and deliver physical therapy services in primary, secondary, and tertiary care settings.
3.3 Lead personnel in the effective delivery of physical therapy services.
3.4 Provide evidence to expand the body of knowledge that supports both the art and science of the physical therapy.
3.5 Promote prevention, health, and wellness in all professional and personal activities.
3.6 Effectively and ethically market physical therapy services and advocate for the profession.
3.7 Critically evaluate self-performance and the performance of peers to facilitate continued and enhanced competence.
3.8 Contribute meaningfully to community organizations and professional associations.
4.0 Demonstrate professional behaviors in all interactions with patients, other professionals, health care organizations, support personnel, and the public at large.
4.1 Communicate in a manner that displays cultural competence.
4.2 Demonstrate respect and appreciation for individual differences when engaged in physical therapy practice, research, and education.
4.3 Engage in lifelong learning to meet the demands of being a licensed health care
professional.
4.4 Consult and collaborate with other professionals to provide coordinated, efficient, and
effective care.
4.5 Practice in accordance with ethical and legal standards.
Guide to Physical Therapist Practice, 1999, p.1-5.
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Academic Standards
- Undergraduate students admitted to the BS/DPT degree program in Healthscience/Physical Therapy will be required to meet the following academic standards in order to continue in the program: cumulative grade point average of 2.75, with a 2.50 in science courses; and an average of 2.75 in preprofessional courses. To remain matriculated in the professional phase of the program, an average of 3.0 is required.
- Graduate students admitted to the DPT degree program in Physical Therapy will be required to meet the following academic standards in order to continue in the program:
- Cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in graduate level course work.
- Consistent display of professonal behavior in classroom and clinical settings.
- Grade of " satisfactory" in all clinical -education experiences.
Academic Advisement
Upon admission, all students are assigned an academic advisor who meets with the student regularly and provides academic supervision and counseling while at the college. In addition, the college's Academic Advisement Office (for undergraduate students), the Office of Graduate Student Services, and the Career Services Office provide supplemental support as needed. The Office for Students with Disabilities is available for students as needed to determine reasonable accommodation.