STUDENT EDUCATIONAL GOALS

To achieve the Program Mission, and recognizing the expanding role of the physical therapist, the increasing complexity of healthcare delivery, and the ever-changing health needs of society, the Alabama State University’s Physical Therapy Program strives to prepare graduates to be reflective practitioners who meet the following goals/objectives.

Student Educational Goal 1:     

Graduate students who demonstrate sensitivity and professional behavior recognizing the role of the PT in a diverse health care environment during all practitioner-client interactions.

• Objective 1:  Students will become an advocate to reduce health disparities by recognizing the influence of social, economic, legislative and demographic factors on the delivery of healthcare.
• Objective 2:  Students communicate with diverse audiences demonstrating sensitivity and awareness of individual differences such as age, race, gender, and socioeconomic background.
• Objective 3:    Through participation in the professional service program, graduates of the program will become an advocate of change to improve health care for all populations regardless of age, race, gender, and socioeconomic background to reduce disparities.  

Student Educational Goal 2:    

Graduate students who are proficient practitioners of physical therapy interventions utilizing evidence based practice, clinical decision making skills and self-reflection to promote the role of the PT across the continuum of care.

• Objective 1:  Students demonstrate professionalism through practicing physical therapy in an ethical, legal, safe, caring, and effective manner. 
• Objective 2:  Students serve as advocates for health promotion and disease prevention through screening individuals across the lifespan and spectrum of care to determine the need for physical therapy examination or referral to other 
• health professionals and/or community services.
• Objective 3:     Students utilize the patient/client management model to examine, evaluate, assess, in order to make an appropriate physical therapy diagnosis or referral as well as utilize clinical decision-making skills to design/manage a comprehensive physical therapy plan of care.
• Objective 4:  Students collaborate with other healthcare professionals in ways that reflect their roles and responsibilities as professional physical therapists and as part ofthe health care team.
• Objective 5:   Students advance the profession of PT through critical analysis of published literature and research to appropriately integrate into daily clinical practice as well as challenge change for the future. 

Student Educational Goal 3:    

Graduate students who strive to become lifelong learners and leaders in the practice of physical therapy and/or physical therapy education/research.

• Objective 1:     Students participate in consultative, educational, administrative/managerial, and supervisory roles in diverse practice and educational environments.
• Objective 2:     Students value the role of the PT in service and leadership through ongoing participation in the Professional Service Development Program. 
• Objective 3:     Students participate in teaching and research opportunities available in the classroom, clinic, university and community.

Strategic Plan Tenants
1. Faculty Development
2. Student Development
3. Service Learning
4. Interdisciplinary Learning