Doctor of Physical Therapy

Program Accreditation

Graduation from a physical therapist (assistant) education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone: 703-706-3242; email: accreditation@apta.org is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination, which is required in all states.

Effective 05/09/2023, Oregon Tech has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education; (3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085) phone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org. 

Candidacy is considered to be an accredited status, as such the credits and degree earned from a program with Candidacy status are considered, by CAPTE, to be from an accredited program.  Therefore, students in the charter (first) class should be eligible to take the licensure exam even if CAPTE withholds accreditation at the end of the candidacy period. That said, it is up to each state licensing agency, not CAPTE, to determine who is eligible for licensure.  Information on licensing requirements should be directed to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT; www.fsbpt.org ) or specific state boards (a list of state boards and contact information is available on FSBPT's website. 

Candidate for Accreditation is an accreditation status of affiliation with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education that indicates the program may matriculate students in technical/professional courses. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status does not assure that the program will be granted Initial Accreditation.

Program Mission

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is a joint Oregon Tech and Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) program that will provide a comprehensive entry-level and post-baccalaureate DPT education, with the unique focus of preparing high quality graduates with the skills to become practitioners of choice and leaders in rural physical therapy practice. The DPT program will ensure graduates develop competence in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with health or medical condidtions that may affect movement and mobility.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Be proficient to practice as effective, efficient, and safe autonomous practitioners.
   • Achieve 100% ultimate pass rate on the National Physical Therapy Examination.
   • Engage in self-directed practice grounded in contemporary evidence and research; demonstrate exemplary critical thinking to meet patient needs; and engage in interprofessional practice to optimize patient outcomes.
   • Practice physical therapy in accordance with the American Physical Therapy Association Standards of Practice, state laws, and federal laws in direct access environments.
   • Supervise, manage, and instruct support personnel, including the delegation of appropriate tasks.
2. Demonstrate empathetic and compassionate practice.
   • Adhere to the American Physical Therapy Association Code of Ethics.
   • Respect and treat each patient as an individual, regardless of gender, race, color, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation.
   • Demonstrate ability to safely provide appropriate patient-centered care, interpreted as practicting ethically and professionally, with cultural competence/sensitivity.
   • Act as patient advocate, educator, and consultant in diverse settings.
3. Demonstrate commitment to the physical therapy profession.
   • Serve as leaders who assume multiple roles, including scholarly activities, which have a positive impact on the profession and the community.
   • Demonstrate dedication, integrity, and a lifelong commitment to learning and professional development.

Summary of Program Student Learning Outcomes

The Doctor of Physical Therapy faculty will formally assess the student learning outcomes which will be summarized in the annual program assessment report. Additional details will be found in department assessment records. 

Program Curriculum Map

The curriculum map for the Marriage and Family Therapy program can be found on the catalog web page on the Oregon Tech website, www.oit.edu/catalog.