UK DPT Mission Statement
The mission of the Physical Therapy Program at the University of Kentucky is foremost to meet the physical therapy needs of Kentucky and contribute to global needs through education, research and service.
The Physical Therapy Program strives to develop competent physical therapists who are critical thinkers, educators, and professionals. Graduates of our program are prepared to value all people and be person-centered practitioners who are knowledgeable, ethical, independent and collaborative, adaptable, reflective, effective communicators, and service-oriented. We accomplish this through a wide variety of mechanisms:
- Educational programs informed by scholarship and research which are designed to provide excellence in instruction as well as accessibility to a diverse student body. These programs include the professional DPT (Lexington and Center of Excellence in Rural Health campuses), post-professional program (PhD Program in Rehabilitation and Health Sciences), and continuing education courses.
- Research, scholarship, and creative activities that contribute to the discovery, translation, and expansion of knowledge in the health sciences.
- Service to the public (in urban and rural communities), to other professional disciplines, and to the profession of physical therapy.
- Professional socialization through participation in professional activities and organizations.
UK DPT Vision Statement
The University of Kentucky Physical Therapy Program aspires for excellence, aiming to the highest standards of education, clinical practice, research, professional duty, and social responsibility.
The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program will be distinguished for the following:
- Its breadth, depth, and collaborative approach to physical therapist education
- Clinical excellence and advancement of clinical practice
- Scholarly achievements and advancement of evidence-informed practice
- Dedication to the health and well-being of all communities
- Commitment to advocacy for the advancement of health care
- Professional contributions towards the advancement of the practice of physical therapy
Program Values
- Inquiry & Ingenuity
- UK DPT program believes research and scholarly inquiry are foundations required to deliver and advance the practice of physical therapy.
- Support
- UK DPT program is committed to the success, professional advancement, personal endeavors, and well-being of students, faculty, and staff.
- Community Engagement
- UK DPT program values deep relationships with mutual trust of our communities as we address societal needs.
- Community Service
- UK DPT program is dedicated to the promotion of the health and wellbeing of all communities
- Professional Duty
- UK DPT program is devoted to serving professional associations to advance the practice of physical therapy
- Belonging
- UK DPT program embraces diversity of thought, background, experience, and ideas from all populations in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and beyond.
Program Beliefs
- We believe that physical therapists should uphold the scientific foundations of the practice of physical therapy and the ethical principles of the profession.
- We believe that valuing individual and cultural differences is necessary for optimizing patient care and society.
- We believe in the cultivation of active learning environments that foster critical thinking and reflection.
- We believe that physical therapists should be leaders in the promotion of the health and well-being of all communities.
- We believe that membership in professional associations enhances continuous development.
Program Goals
- Develop competent physical therapists who excel in critical thinking
- Produce impactful research and scholarship to advance clinical practice
- Demonstrate commitment to service, within the community and profession
- Lead as educators within our professional, academic, and clinical communities
- Promote inclusivity and belonging for individuals of all backgrounds.