Technical Standards for Candidates

Observation: Candidates must have the capabilities to observe lecture/laboratory demonstrations, and various forms of electronic media used to present content in all DPT courses. Candidates are also required to have the ability to acquire visual, auditory, olfactory and tactile sensory information used to participate in patient management. Examples of patient related sensory intake of information includes: palpation of body surfaces and palpable changes in various body systems along with evaluation of auditory information such heart and lung sounds.

Communication: Candidates must have the interpersonal skills necessary for all verbal, nonverbal and written communication with fellow students, instructors, patients and their families, as well as all members of the health care team. Candidates must be capable of eliciting information, establishing rapport and communicating both effectively and efficiently in a variety of settings while respecting potential cultural differences.   

Intellectual-Conceptual (Integrative & Quantitative) Abilities: Candidates must be able to obtain, organize, analyze and synthesize complex information in a variety of settings. They must be able to integrate information into processes of hypotheses development and reason through possible diagnoses’, treatment, and/or referral of patients in physical therapy practice. Candidates must also be able to recognize and comprehend the spatial and functional relationships of structures, and to apply this information as part of their decision-making process.  

Motor Function: Candidates must possess adequate motor function to learn and perform movements required for both general and emergency care. Psychomotor related tasks required include those essential for the physical examination, evaluation and application of interventions in movement system disorders. These tasks require coordination of gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium, sensation, and muscle strength and must be completed in a manner that maintains safety for patients and oneself.

Behavioral/Social: Candidates must have the emotional health and stability required for complete utilization of their intellectual abilities. They must have the ability to demonstrate good judgment, as well as prompt and effective completion of all responsibilities effectively. They must take responsibility for their own learning and be able to accept constructive feedback. They must be able to adapt to a rapidly changing environment and functional in a professional manner under stressful circumstances. They must demonstrate open-mindedness and compassion, and be prepared to serve people from different cultural/ethnic backgrounds and belief systems. Candidates are required to act in alignment with the profession’s core values.