Essential Functions
All students accepted for admission into the DPT program must meet the following Essential Functions/Technical Standards prior to enrollment in clinical education courses.
- Students are required to demonstrate proficiency in medical terminology by the end of the first semester. This requirement can be met through successful completion of a course in medical terminology or by a passing score of 80% or above on a departmentally administered examination in medical terminology;
A physical examination verifying that the student is in good health and free from communicable disease; - Tuberculosis screening and other immunizations required by the clinical sites;
- Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Basic First Aid certification;
- Health/Accident insurance coverage;
- Professional student liability insurance coverage; and
- The ability to perform, either unaided or with reasonable accommodation, the following essential functions for clinical practicum in physical therapy:
- Critical thinking ability sufficient for clinical judgment;
- Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds;
- Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form;
- Physical abilities sufficient to move from room to room and maneuver in small spaces;
- Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective physical therapy care;
- Auditory abilities sufficient to monitor and assess health needs;
- Visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment necessary in physical therapy care;
- Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment and treatment;
- Physical ability to assist moving, transferring, and ambulating patients who have physical impairment or dysfunction.