Program Vision, Mission, Philosophy, Goals, and Objectives
Vision Statement
To be recognized as an innovative leader in physical therapy education, research, and clinical practice for a global community.
Mission Statement
Elon University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum, in partnership with Cone Health - Alamance Regional Medical Center, provides graduate professional physical therapy education and supports faculty and student scholarly activity. Solid principles of science and research are incorporated using the highest ethical standards, while looking toward the future of the profession and its role in all healthcare delivery systems along the continuum of care.
Graduate Goals
By pursuing its educational mission with integrity and a desire for excellence, the Elon DPTE program ultimately seeks to contribute to society by preparing physical therapists who reflect this vision of the profession:
1. Graduates are Doctors of Physical Therapy with enhanced professional identity who are prepared for autonomous practice and direct access to consumers across the continuum of care, providing healthcare, prevention, and wellness services.
2. Graduates are recognized by consumers as healthcare professionals for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of movement-related functional limitations in activity and participation.
3. Graduates have a commitment to provide comprehensive and accessible health programs for all people with dignity, respect, and sensitivity to and appreciation of individual differences.
4. Graduates are motivated and guided by the desire for excellence and the highest possible professional, scientific, ethical, legal, and moral standards.
5. Graduates render services that reflect current best practice and are committed to lifelong learning through continuing professional education, growth, and advancement.
6. Graduates are leaders and mentors in the physical therapy profession and promote the profession through their support and involvement in community and professional organizations, including the American Physical Therapy Association and community groups.
Philosophy
The Department of Physical Therapy Education was created in October 1996 to extend Elon’s mission of excellence in higher education and community service to a new arena of professional education at the graduate level in the health sciences. Reflecting the University founders' concern for holistic individual well-being and dedication to service for the common good and the University's continuing commitment to respect for human differences. the department prepares future physical therapists for their multifaceted roles in a dynamic healthcare environment. In partnership with Cone Health - Alamance Regional Medical Center, whose values of excellence, compassion, efficiency, creativity and leadership closely match those of the University, the department seeks to produce graduates who will be highly skilled clinical generalists. Graduates will exemplify compassion for individuals of every age, means, and ethnicity and will be prepared for leadership and professional integrity as part of the healthcare team.
The department fosters the continuing professional growth of the physical therapy faculty as a part of a community of learners in partnership with their professional colleagues at the University, at Cone Health - Alamance Regional Medical Center and in the wider community. The department supports both faculty and student scholarly activity and its dissemination through the peer-review process to the appropriate community of scholars, practitioners, and stakeholders. The partnership with Cone Health - Alamance Regional Medical Center provides opportunities for faculty and students to have access to patient models for learning as well as the enhancement of clinical and research opportunities. For the physical therapy faculty, the department promotes involvement and strong participation on University committees, in University governance, and in campus activities and promotes appropriate areas of collaboration between the physical therapy program and the other academic programs of the University.
The educational philosophy of the program emphasizes preparation for the continuum of care essential to the well-being of the individual client. The faculty incorporates teaching and learning strategies appropriate for the more mature learner utilizing current communication and computer technology. The program encourages critical thinking, active learning, strong clinical experiences and inquiry-based approaches to intervention and research. Particularly emphasized are the values of rigorous ethical conduct, respect for all individuals, concern for the whole person and for the context of wellness, love of learning, and commitment to service. Students will be prepared for the professional roles of the physical therapist as client teacher, valuator, planner, therapy provider, family consultant, member of clinical research team, and analyst of treatment results and of cost-effectiveness strategies. In today’s evolving healthcare arena, graduates will be prepared as clinical generalists for opportunities to provide services throughout the broad spectrum of the continuum of care including intensive care, acute care environment, rehabilitation, outpatient, home care, skilled nursing facilities, and health/wellness. In many states, including North Carolina, the graduate will function as the point of entry into the healthcare continuum of care. Therapists will work as a part of the healthcare team.
The unique modular curriculum assists the learner by integrating and coordinating courses and modules in an appropriate sequence. Student physical therapists will have the opportunity to practice specific learning objectives in a wide variety of clinical practices settings. The program emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and self-evaluation on the part of the graduate and the striving for excellent skills, compassionate care, and leadership for the profession.
Goals and Expected Outcomes for Students/Graduates
The Elon Physical Therapy Program seeks to produce highly skilled graduates who:
● Demonstrate respect for individuals from a variety of ethnic, cultural, language, geographic, socioeconomic, and age backgrounds,
● Have compassion for the client as a whole person with physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs,
● Practice physical therapy as a generalist clinician with highest possible ethical and legal standards,
● Are problem solvers and creative members of the primary healthcare team with excellent communication skills,
● Are strong client teachers and oriented to wellness and prevention,
● Serve as leaders and role models in the clinical setting and the community at large,
● Are motivated and prepared to continue lifelong learning through continuing education, specialization, and/or advanced study,
● Provide leadership in professional activities that promote the advancement of the profession.