Physical Therapy

The Department of Physical Therapy believes that optimal 21st century, person-centered health care is best delivered by well-educated, compassionate leaders who think critically, reason intelligently, collaborate inter-professionally, and who promote health and wellness.  In this spirit, the department is dedicated to preparing students for contemporary physical therapy and advances the profession through its steadfast commitment to excellence in academics, clinical education, scholarship, research, and service. 

Core Values

The Department of Physical Therapy values excellence in student-focused teaching and learning, evidence-based practice, service to the community and profession, interprofessional collaboration, scholarship, and clinical practice.

Student-Focused

•  Friendly, collegial atmosphere
•  Low student-to-faculty ratios
•  Supportive faculty and staff

Academic Excellence

•  Expert academic and clinical faculty
•  State-of-the-art equipment and technology
•  Experiential learning, critical thinking and problem solving
•  Quality clinical experiences
•  High standards and expectations of student admission and retention
•  Continuous quality improvement

Evidence-based Practice

•  Critical appraisal of evidence
•  Integrate evidence, expertise and patient values
•  Best practice

Community & Diversity

•  Professional and community service
•  Embrace and learn from diversity
•  Non-discriminatory
•  Academic-Community partnership

Professional Conduct

•  Respect for all individuals
•  Trustworthy and truthful
•  Confidentiality of patient-therapist relationship
•  Sound judgment
•  Competence and professional development
•  Pro bono service
•  Life-long learning

Collaboration

•  Interprofessional Grand Rounds, seminars and symposia
•  Research and scholarship
•  Teaching and learning

Scholarship

•  Student participation and choice
•  Collaborative, interprofessional and individual intellectual pursuits

Health and Wellness

•  Whole person wellness
•  Injury and disease prevention
•  Promotion of healthy environments

Program Goals

The primary educational goal of the program is to prepare the graduate for autonomous practice wherein physical therapists are recognized by consumers and other health care professionals as the practitioners of choice for the diagnosis of, interventions for, and prevention of impairments, functional limitations and disabilities related to movement, function and health. (American Physical Therapy Association Vision Statement 2020) To achieve this goal, the faculty has identified the following six program goals:

1. Core Attributes: Graduate compassionate, collaborative leaders who are critical thinkers and who promote health and wellness.
2. Academics: Develop academic excellence.
3. Clinical Practice: Promote faculty and student involvement in physical therapy practice across the continuum of care.
4. Research and Scholarship: Generate and disseminate new knowledge.
5. Service:  Identify, develop and promote opportunities for faculty and students to provide service to the institution, community, and  profession.
6. Administration: Further develop efficient processes and resources to support the Department's operations.

The entry-level DPT Program is three calendar years (8 semesters) in length and includes a combination of classroom, laboratory, and clinical practicum experiences. The curriculum begins with the foundational sciences, through which the student explores and studies normal human structure and function, and fundamental physical therapy techniques. From this critical underpinning, the student engages in the evidence-based approach to the physical therapy management of impairments, functional limitations and disabilities related to movement, function and health across the life span. The curriculum sequence is generally organized according to key body systems (i.e., musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, neuromuscular, integumentary). Coursework includes study of the functional and psychosocial impacts of health conditions, relevant medical and surgical interventions, and the physical therapy tests, measures, and interventions utilized within the patient/client management model.

The student is also introduced to the physical therapist's role in disease prevention and health promotion, education, consultation, legislation and policy-making, and administration. The student engages in scholarly inquiry, either by completing a case report or conducting a research project under the direction and mentorship of a faculty member. The student may also explore topics beyond those required in the professional curriculum through elective courses or workshops offered by the Department and College.

Students complete three full-time clinical practica, totaling 36 weeks of clinical experience. More than 300 clinical sites around the United States are available to provide a broad base of experiences in a variety of settings. The sites represent the continuum of health care practice settings including acute care hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, outpatient private practices, ambulatory care centers, skilled nursing facilities, school/ preschool programs, and home health care. Full-time clinical practica experiences are integrated in the second and third professional years, enabling students to apply information learned in didactic courses to patients and clients.

The DPT program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The Department, through its policies and procedures, is committed to assuring compliance with the evaluative criteria established by CAPTE.

Accreditation indicates that the institution and program have been carefully evaluated and found to meet standards agreed upon by qualified educators. To contact CAPTE:

Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
1111 North Fairfax Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Email: accreditation@apta.org
Phone: (703)-684-2782 or (703)-706-3245

The faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy value students with diverse educational backgrounds and life experiences. Individuals with a bachelor's degree, in any major, from any regionally accredited institution (see PTCASfor specific accrediting bodies) are encouraged to apply for admission.

Enrollment in the DPT Program assumes certain essential cognitive, emotional, and technical skills. The Program Academic and Technical Standards delineate the abilities and skills that degree candidates must possess to engage safely and competently in required learning activities.

Requirements for Admissions

Prerequisite Courses

• All science prerequisites must have been completed within seven years prior to the PTCAS application deadline.
• *The Anatomy and Physiology courses must include all body systems and be a full-year (two semester sequence) or the equivalent. This must consist of either 4 credits of human anatomy with lab and 4 credits of human physiology with lab OR 8 credits of A&P I & II (both with lab). Animal Physiology or Exercise Physiology will not satisfy the physiology prerequisite.
• All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better; “C-“grades are not acceptable. Prerequisite courses may be in-progress or planned at the time of application, but must be completed by August, prior to matriculation. Please include any in-progress or planned coursework in your PTCAS application.
• Upon completion of the in-progress and planned coursework please submit official transcripts to UNE Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions.

Academic/Experience Requirements

• Distinguished record of excellence and achievement in college as established by cumulative GPA and math/science pre-requisite GPA, extracurricular activities, community involvement, GRE scores, and letters of recommendation
• Completion of Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited institution prior to matriculation
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• A minimum math/science pre-requisite GPA of 3.0 (excludes the 2 Psychology courses)
• Successful completion of the General Graduate Record Exam (GRE).  Recommended that all section scores be above the 30th percentile.
• Observation in PT practice is highly recommended. While a specific number of hours are not required, the Admissions Committee evaluates applicants on their knowledge of the breadth and depth of PT practice.

Note: Before matriculation, accepted applicants will need to obtain a physical examination with proof of up-to-date immunization status. Immunization requirements are based on recommendations for health professionals by the Centers for Disease Control. This information must be presented prior to matriculation.

As required by clinical training sites, students will be subject to criminal background checks and drug screens periodically throughout the DPT program.

Procedures and Policies

• Applications for admissions are accepted through the Central Application Service for Physical Therapy (PTCAS).
• Applications must be submitted to PTCAS by posted deadline.  Given the normally heavy volume of applications, it is strongly encouraged that completed applications be submitted as early as possible in the cycle.  The PTCAS application portal opens annually in early July.
• On-campus interviews are granted to qualified applicants by invitation of the Admissions Committee, and are required for admission.
• Admissions are rolling and decisions are made after each interview session and continue until the program starts. Applications received before the deadline will be given full consideration. Applications submitted after the deadline will be reviewed on a space available basis only.
• International applicants and applicants with international degrees must have their transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited US institution. See International Admissions for a list of educational credential evaluators. 
• International applicants must submit the International Student Supplemental Application Form at time of acceptance to the university.
• All applicants to UNE must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university. UNE accepts several methods of English Proficiency, (see International Admissions.)  If applicable, the TOEFL requirement must be completed and score received by the application deadline.
• Official transcripts for in-progress degrees and other in-progress or planned prerequisites must be submitted to the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions prior to matriculation. (This includes all degrees/coursework in progress and planned at the time of submission of the PTCAS application)

The Admission Committee reserves the right to make changes or exceptions to the admission policies and procedures without notice when it deems such a decision is appropriate.

For additional information on the admissions process and requirements, please access the PT Website.

Transfer Credit

Requests for consideration of transfer credit will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Advanced Standing

Requests for consideration of transfer credit for advanced standing placement will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Experiential Learning

No credit will be awarded to students for experiential learning.

Academic Standards

The Department of Physical Therapy, the Westbrook College of Health Professions, and the University of New England are committed to offering a quality physical therapist education program that complies with the evaluative criteria of the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. The program provides learning experiences to enable graduates to achieve the outcomes required for the practice of physical therapy.  Please refer to the WCHP Graduate Program Progression Policies and Procedures for detailed description of academic standards.

Essential Technical Standards

The essential technical standards are pre-requisites for successful completion of the DPT program at the UNE. Guidelines for reasonable accommodation are discussed. Please read this document carefully to determine whether you possess the abilities and skills reflected in the technical standards below.

Principles:

1. Physical Therapy is an intellectually, physically, and psychologically demanding profession.
2. The obligation and mission of the UNE DPT program is to produce effective and competent physical therapists that are best able to serve the needs of society. Therefore, all applicants, regardless of disability, will be held to the same admission standards. Once accepted, all DPT degree candidates will be held to the same technical standards, with reasonable accommodations provided when necessary and appropriate.
3. Individuals with documented disabilities applying to the UNE DPT Program will be expected to have completed the same academic prerequisites as their non-disabled peers. No applicant is required to disclose the details of a disability and no otherwise qualified individual will be denied admission to the DPT program based solely upon a disabling condition.
4. Upon acceptance, the Westbrook College of Health Professions, under the law, is obligated to provide reasonable accommodations to DPT candidates and students with documented disabilities who are registered with the University’s Disability Services while completing the academic and clinical requirements for graduation from the program.

Reasonable accommodations:
Are provided to help minimize the impact of the student’s disability, provide equal access to the University’s programs and services while upholding the academic, clinical, and technical standards of the DPT Program.

Are provided to assist the student in learning, performing and satisfying the fundamental standards, so long as the student provides comprehensive documentation establishing his/her disability status prior to the need for reasonable accommodation

Are provided only to the extent that such accommodation does not result in lowering the technical standards of the Department of Physical Therapy or interfering with the rights of other students

Do not exempt DPT candidates from completing certain tasks deemed essential

Do not include reliance on peers-
When a candidate’s ability to function is compromised (with or without accommodation) the candidate must demonstrate alternative means and/or abilities to acquire essential information and demonstrate essential tasks without reliance upon another person to help perform that essential task.

Are determined by UNE Disability Services in consultation with DPT faculty.

In addition, DPT faculty are available to work with candidates with disabilities to help identify strategies that might assist them in performing technical standards.

Candidate Declaration of abilities and skills:

1. Prior to the start of DPT classes, matriculating students must indicate that they possess the abilities reflected in the technical standards described below, either with or without reasonable accommodation.
2. A DPT candidate with a disability who wishes reasonable accommodation must contact the Disability Services, Portland Campus, Lower Level, Ginn Hall, Phone: (207) 221-4418, Fax: (207) 523-1919. An offer of admission may be withdrawn or a DPT candidate may be withdrawn from the program if it becomes apparent at any time that he or she cannot complete the technical standards even with accommodations, that the accommodations needed are not reasonable, or that fulfilling the functions would create a significant risk of harm to the health or safety of the student or others.

Technical Standards: Abilities and Skills

Matriculation into the DPT Program assumes certain essential cognitive, emotional, and technical skills. Reflected in the standards that follow are those abilities and skills that degree candidates must possess to engage safely and competently in required learning activities. The abilities and skills are described in five domains, including observation skills; communication skills; motor skills (fine and gross); intellectual-conceptual, integrative and quantitative abilities; and behavioral and social/emotional attributes.

I. Observation
Observation requires the functional use of vision, hearing, touch, and the use of common sense. Candidates must have visual perception, which includes depth and acuity. A candidate must be able to observe lectures, laboratory dissection of cadavers, and lecture and laboratory demonstrations. The candidate must be able to observe a patient accurately and obtain an appropriate medical history directly from the patient or guardian. Examples in which these observational skills are required include: observation of skin color; breathing regularity; temperature of skin; muscle tone; facial expressions; palpation of peripheral pulses, bony prominences and ligaments; visual and tactile evaluation for areas of inflammation; and visual and tactile assessment of the presence and degree of swelling. A candidate must be able to observe a patient accurately at a distance and close at hand, noting nonverbal as well as verbal signals. The candidate must have sufficient vision, hearing, and touch to detect patient/client needs in a busy clinical environment. The candidate must be able to read and interpret equipment, patient charts, and diagnostic tests. The candidate must also be able to accurately monitor dials, displays, and equipment used in treatment of patients including exercise equipment and electrical modalities.

II. Communication
Communication includes: speech, language, reading, writing and computer literacy. Students must be able to communicate effectively, sensitively, and convey a sense of compassion and empathy with patients and their families, as well as perceive non-verbal communications, and to deal effectively with cultural and ethnic diversity. Physical therapy education presents exceptional challenges in the volume and breadth of required reading and the necessity to impart information to others. Candidates must be able to communicate quickly, effectively and efficiently in oral and written English with all members of the health care team. Candidates must be able to complete forms according to directions in a complete and timely fashion. The candidate must be able to demonstrate the ability to deliver and receive complex information in one-on-one and group settings, respond to questions from a variety of sources and respond appropriately to verbal and non-verbal communication, as well as explain complex information according to the listener’s needs and abilities, both formally and informally. A candidate must be able to complete paper and/or on-line forms and documentation according to directions in a timely fashion, accurately elicit information and describe a patient’s change in mood, thought, activity and posture. Candidates must be able to demonstrate sufficient communication skills to effectively train other DPT candidates, patients, family and support personnel.

III. Motor
The candidate must have sufficient strength, endurance and motor skills to effectuate the coordination of both gross and fine muscular movement, equilibrium, and the integrated use of touch and vision. Sufficient physical stamina is required to complete the rigorous course of didactic and clinical study. The candidate must be able to access and negotiate laboratories, classrooms and workstations, attend clinical internships, and accomplish required tasks in the clinic and academic settings. The candidate must be able to perform emergency procedures such as: cardiopulmonary resuscitation; safely lift, transfer and position patients; safely assist and guard patients during gait training; safely and effectively administer exercise and examination procedures that require resistance or facilitation; perform non-surgical wound debridement, and manually adjust exercise equipment and assistive devices. Long periods of sitting, standing, and moving are required in classroom, laboratory and clinical experiences. The candidate must demonstrate: sufficient balance, coordination and ability to accompany and detect loss of balance in patients who are walking; the ability to support and guard patients who lose their balance during walking on level surfaces, as well as on stairs and uneven terrains/ramps; sufficient freedom of movement to be able to participate in all classroom and clinical activities; and the ability to lift and carry heavy objects. Required movements may include: pushing; pulling; standing; sitting for long periods of time with and without back support; twisting; kneeling; stooping and bending. The candidate must be able to use motor skills to accurately assess changes in: muscle tone, tissue and skin temperature, joint position, chest sounds and peripheral pulses, joint play and other examination tests. The candidate must also be able to: effectively apply compression, traction, resistance, and percussion; and demonstrate sufficient fine motor skills to be able to manipulate small objects and write legibly. The candidate must be able to respond to bells and alarms related to emergencies. At all times the ability to administer care to patients in a safe manner is paramount.

IV. Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities
To effectively solve problems, the candidate must be able to: measure, calculate, reason, analyze, comprehend, integrate and synthesize information from the clinical, natural, and social sciences in a timely fashion. For example, the candidate must be able to synthesize knowledge and integrate the relevant aspects of a patient’s history, physical examination, and laboratory data. The candidate must be able to: provide a reasoned explanation for likely therapy, recalling and retaining information in an efficient and timely manner. The ability to incorporate new information from peers, teachers, and the medical literature in formulating treatment plans is essential. In addition, the candidate must be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and to understand spatial relationships of structures. The candidate must have the ability to use computers for searching, recording, storing, and retrieving information. The candidate must be able to understand theory, research literature, and principles that apply to physical therapy practice, and analyze and solve complex patient problems. The candidate must be able to utilize knowledge of natural, clinical, and social sciences to develop appropriate interventions in a clinical setting. The ability to use critical analysis to understand theory, research literature, and principles that apply to physical therapy practice and to apply inductive and deductive clinical reasoning to solve complex patient problems is necessary. The candidate must be able to effectively engage in self-assessment of performance, as well as provide objective and constructive assessments of peers and faculty. The candidate must be able to identify significant findings based upon history and physical examination and interpret laboratory and diagnostic imaging data. The candidate must utilize sufficient judgment to ensure safe encounters with peers and patients and to effectively delegate to support personnel.

V. Behavioral and Social/Emotional Attributes
The candidate must be: dependable, punctual, ethical, and reliable; maintain professional demeanor in all situations; recognize stressors and be able to seek assistance as needed. Candidates must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of their intellectual abilities. They must: exercise good judgment, promptly complete all responsibilities attendant to the care of patients, and develop mature, sensitive and effective relationships with patients. The candidate must also demonstrate a commitment to learning by seeking new knowledge and understanding, formulating their own thoughts and ideas, and taking ownership of their educational advancement. Candidates must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress. They must be able to: adapt to changing environments, display flexibility and function in the face of uncertainties inherent in clinical practice. They must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze and synthesize information effectively in the limited time demanded by a given clinical setting, while under stress, and in an environment in which other distractions may be present. The candidate must be able to abide by the APTA Code of Ethics, the Standards of Physical Therapy Practice and the Core Values, which can be found on the American Physical Therapy Association website at www.apta.org. Candidates must also be able to establish professional and empathetic relationships with individuals across the lifespan and from various cultures. Candidates must demonstrate integrity and honesty in the academic and clinical environment, as well as being able to engage in respectful interactions with individuals from various lifestyles, cultures, races, socioeconomic classes and abilities. They must be able to develop and maintain respectful working relationships with peers, faculty, professional colleagues, patients, family members and the general public and to recognize the psychosocial impact of movement dysfunction and disability on clients and families. The candidate must be able to accept constructive feedback and respond with suitable action.

Specific Examples of Technical Skills (Essential Functions) and Abilities:
Specifically, candidates must be able to:

1. Attend and participate in classes for 30 or more hours per week during each academic semester. Classes consist of a combination of lecture, discussion, laboratory, and clinical activities.
2. Use auditory, tactile, and visual senses to receive classroom instruction and to evaluate and treat patients.
3. Read, write, speak, and understand English at a level consistent with successful course completion and development of positive patient-therapist relationships.
4. Complete readings, assignments, and other activities outside of class hours.
5. Apply critical thinking processes to their work in the classroom and the clinic.
6. Exercise sound judgment in class and in the clinic.
7. Participate in clinical experiences, which typically require students to be present 40 or more hours per week on a schedule that corresponds to the operating hours of the clinic.
8. Gather decision-making pieces of information during patient assessment activities in class or in the clinical setting without the use of an intermediary (classmate, aide, etc).
9. Perform treatment activities in class or in the clinical setting by direct performance.
10. Sit for two to 10 hours at a time, stand for at least one to two hours at a time, and walk or travel for at least two hours at a time
11. Frequently lift weights less than 10 pounds and occasionally lift weights between 10 and 100 pounds.
12. Occasionally carry up to 25 pounds while walking up to 50 feet.
13. Frequently exert 75 pounds of push/pull forces up to 50 feet and occasionally exert 150 pounds of push/pull forces for this distance.
14. Frequently twist, bend and stoop.
15. Occasionally squat, crawl, reach above shoulder level, and kneel.
16. Frequently move from place to place and position to position at a speed that permits safe handling of classmates and patients.
17. Frequently stand and walk while providing support to a classmate simulating a disability or while supporting a patient with a disability.
18. Occasionally climb stairs and negotiate uneven terrain.
19. Frequently use hands repetitively with a simple grasp and frequently with a firm grasp.
20. Frequently perform tasks requiring manual dexterity skills.
21. Frequently coordinate activities with gross motor and communication skills.

*Information and design from The Essential Standards and Technical Standards documents from the Graduate Program in Physical Therapy at Central Michigan and Sacramento State, and University of Buffalo’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, as well as the generic abilities developed by the physical therapy program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is eight semesters in length and includes a combination of classroom course work, laboratory coursework, and three, full-time clinical practica. In addition to the 103 required credits, students are invited to take up elective coursework offered by the department and by other graduate programs within the university.

The primary educational outcome of the program is to prepare the graduate for practice wherein physical therapists are recognized by consumers and other health care professionals as the practitioners of choice…for the diagnosis of, interventions for, and prevention of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities related to movement, function, and health. (American Physical Therapy Association Vision Statement 2020)

The Department of Physical Therapy, the Westbrook College of Health Professions, and the University of New England are committed to offering a quality physical therapist education program that complies with the evaluative criteria of the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The program provides learning experiences to enable graduates to achieve the following outcomes required for the practice of physical therapy set forth by CAPTE, effective, January 2006.

After completing the physical therapy curriculum, students will:

1. Integrate concepts from the biological, physical, behavioral, and clinical sciences into physical therapy services
2. Exhibit professional conduct and behaviors that are consistent with the legal and ethical practice of physical therapy
3. Demonstrate compassion, caring, integrity, and respect for differences, values, and  preferences in all interactions with patients/clients, family members, health care providers, students, other consumers, and payers 
4. Demonstrate culturally sensitive verbal, nonverbal, and written communications that are effective, accurate, and timely
5. Collect and critically evaluate data and published literature to apply in the delivery of care, practice management, and to examine the theoretical and scientific basis for physical therapy
6. Screen patients/clients to determine if they are candidates for physical therapy services or if referral to, or consultation with, another health care professional or agency is warranted
7. Complete a patient/client examination/reexamination and evaluate and interpret the examination data to determine a physical therapy diagnosis and prognosis
8. Employ critical thinking, self-reflection, and evidence-based practice to make clinical decisions about physical therapy services 
9. Collaborate with patients/clients, caregivers, and other health care providers to develop and implement an evidence-based plan of care that coordinates human and financial resources 
10. Provide services and information related to health promotion, fitness, wellness, health risks, and disease prevention within the scope of physical therapy practice
11. Advocate for patient/client and profession
12. Provide consultative services and education to patients/clients, caregivers, health care workers, and the public using culturally sensitive methods that are adapted to the learning needs, content, and context
13. Employ effective leadership skills in the context of supervising, delegating and mentoring within the profession

Students are expected to abide by the academic policies and procedures and conduct code outlined in the University of New England (UNE) Student Handbook,the Department of Physical Therapy Student Handbook and the WCHP Graduate Program Progression Policies and Procedures. Failure to abide by these policies, procedures or codes may result in disciplinary action.  

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Other Expenses

Other expenses will include textbooks and lab fees in some courses. Students should also anticipate transportation, housing and living expenses during clinical practica.

Equipment

All students are required to have access to high-speed internet service and a laptop computer with the capability of utilizing Blackboard or similar on-line education format.

Financial Aid

Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office on the Biddeford Campus. Call 207-602-2342 or visit the Financial Aid website.

Conferring of the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree is contingent upon the successful completion of academic and clinical coursework to include a total of 103 academic credits.