About Physical Therapy Department

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Mission: The mission of the Department of Physical Therapy at Wichita State University is to educate entry-level generalist practitioners who practice in a variety of settings. The educational program, through academic and clinical course work, requires each student to assimilate knowledge, acquire skills, and develop professional judgment and behaviors appropriate for safe, and ethical practice. Program faculty guide students to become entry-level generalist practitioners who are lifelong learners capable of integrating professional knowledge, skills and proper attitudes in ethical practice providing physical therapy services to a diverse population in an ever-changing social and health care environment.

Goal: The goal of the Physical Therapy Program is to prepare entry-level physical therapists who have the basic skills, knowledge, and attitudes to function effectively in the multifaceted role of a physical therapist. The foundations upon which the program is built are the mission of the College and Department, Evaluative Criteria for Accreditation of Education Programs, A Normative Model of Physical Therapist Professional Education and the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice.

Objectives: Satisfactory performance in the experiences provided in the program prepares the graduate to:

• Synthesize physical therapy science through integration of the biological, physical, social, and behavioral sciences.
• Identify, organize, and utilize resources to effectively develop and efficiently provide health care services.
• Practice as physical therapist generalists by integrating liberal arts, basic science and clinical knowledge and skills.
• Demonstrate professional competence in accordance with the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice and in an ethical and equitable manner
• Recognize when treatment other than physical therapy is required and make referrals accordingly.
• Collaborate with colleagues for the advancement of the profession and promotion of health and wellness.
• Demonstrate a personal value system that reflects respect for the rights of others and that acknowledges responsibility for individual actions.
• Use the scientific method to problem solve in carrying out professional responsibilities.
• Communicate efficiently and effectively with patients, families of patients, colleagues in the health care system, referral agencies, regulatory agencies, policy makers and the general public.
• Utilize physical therapy personnel resources in such a way to reflect an understanding of their legal and ethical roles in working toward a common goal of providing the best possible services in patient care and health promotion.
• Apply effective teaching/learning theories and methods in health care, academic, and community environments.
• Continue personal and professional growth based on self-evaluation recognizing self needs, strengths and limitations.
• Apply management principles and skills in the multifaceted roles of the physical therapist.

Each student is expected to make orderly progress toward achievement of these objectives. This achievement will be measured throughout the didactic and clinical curriculum in accordance with specific course objectives and evaluation criteria.

Accreditation: The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) granted the WSU PT program another eight years accredition through 2011. WSU's PT program has maintained full accreditation status since its establishment.

Accreditation is a voluntary process. Physical therapy and physical therapist assistant education programs desiring accreditation status apply to the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) and must first achieve candidacy status before being considered for initial accreditation status. Both steps involve careful internal and external review and reports, on-site visits by qualified evaluators, and demonstrated compliance with established evaluative criteria and guidelines. Throughout the accreditation process, CAPTE provides consultation and assistance to the programs and their institutions. Once awarded accreditation status, the program must submit reports regularly to the Commission ensuring continuing compliance with the evaluative criteria and is formally reviewed every five to eight years.

Licensure: Licensure requirements are a function of state governments through a physical therapy board. To identify requirements, individual graduates must contact the state physical therapy board of the jurisdiction(s) where they plan to practice. Graduation from an accredited program is only one requirement; satisfactory completion of the physical therapy program does not guarantee licensure for graduates. A list of boards, contact information, and licensure examination information is readily accessible at the Federation of Physical Therapy Boards web site at http://www.fsbpt.org

Program Costs:

1. Tuition and Fees: The Kansas Board of Regents approves tuition and fees, generally on a two year basis. Tuition for the DPT program will be at the graduate school rate for each credit hour (resident or non-resident rate).
2. Books and Supplies typically average between $500 and $600 each semester
3. Health: e.g. Insurance, Physical Examination, and Immunizations
4. Room and Board: campus housing is available
5. Clinical Rotation Expenses, e.g. travel, temporary housing, uniforms, and liability insurance
6. APTA Student Membership (optional but strongly encouraged)

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