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School of Health Professions - Student Handbook 2020 - 2021


Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy

tDPT Program

This section of the Student Handbook describes academic policies and procedures that are specific to the TTUHSC Transitional DPT (tDPT) program. Student policies that are common to the School of Health Professions are provided at the following website address: https://hscweb.ttuhsc.edu/health-professions/current/policies.aspx 

 

Mission Statement

The mission of the Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT) program is to educate licensed physical therapists to become autonomous, evidence-based practitioners who improve the health of people through the application of their clinical skills, collaborate with other health care professionals, and have a commitment to life-long learning and the core values of the profession (accountability, altruism, compassion/caring, excellence, integrity, professional duty, and social responsibility).
 
Goals
Goal 1: Provide licensed physical therapists with the knowledge, clinical decision making, and professional judgment to meet contemporary practice standards as a doctor of physical therapy. Goal 2: Provide licensed physical therapists with the skills needed to master evidence-based practice in the five roles of the physical therapist (patient/client management, consultation, education, research, and administration).
Goal 3: Facilitate self-development of the seven core values which guide the profession of physical therapy (accountability, altruism, compassion/caring, excellence, integrity, professional duty, and social responsibility).

 

Program Outcomes and Objectives
Outcome 1: Professional Identity in Physical Therapy
Students will demonstrate acquisition of the knowledge needed to advance their entry level physical therapy education to that of current Doctor of Physical Therapy standards.
  1. Students will demonstrate acquisition of knowledge of all core course work. Core classes are aimed at educating BSPT and MSPT gradate clinicians to be autonomous, evidence based practitioners with knowledge, skills, and behaviors consistent with professional entry-level DPT standards.
  2. Students will indicate that course work advanced their knowledge and understanding of the content presented.
  3. Students will develop an electronic Graduate Portfolio (ePortfolio) in their final semester of enrollment. This portfolio will consist of a collection of works completed throughout the student's time in the tDPT program. The ePortfolio will be compiled in conjunction with a written reflection highlighting application of coursework into clinical practice and a survey of perceived student outcomes. This portfolio is intended to allow the learner to appreciate the advances in knowledge, skills, and behaviors experienced since the time of enrollment in the tDPT program.
Outcome 2: Clinical Competency and Patient Effectiveness
Students will articulate high levels of clinical reasoning skills and competencies, incorporating evidence-based practice, leading to efficacy in the clinical setting.
  1. Students will indicate that earning the DPT degree has positively impacted their patient management.
  2. Students will demonstrate acquisition of knowledge in all clinically based tDPT elective courses. The focus of elective course work is application of clinical reasoning skills and evidence-based practice in setting specific patient/client management.
  3. Students will develop an electronic Graduate Portfolio (ePortfolio) in their final semester of enrollment. This portfolio will consist of a collection of works completed throughout the student's time in the tDPT program. The ePortfolio will be compiled in conjunction with a written reflection highlighting application of coursework into clinical practice and a survey of perceived student outcomes. This portfolio is intended to allow the learner to appreciate the advances in knowledge, skills, and behaviors experienced since the time of enrollment in the tDPT program.

Outcome 3: Professional Behavior and Lifelong Learning
Students will demonstrate professional behaviors and commitment to lifelong learning consistent with current physical therapy professional standards.
  1. Students will complete a Professional Development Plan outlining their long term professional goals and advancement plans following completion of the DPT degree.
  2. Students will report that following completion of the DPT degree they regularly demonstrate the 7 Core Values which are the principles of professionalism defined by the American Physical Therapy Association.
  3. Students will develop an electronic Graduate Portfolio (ePortfolio) in their final semester of enrollment. This portfolio will consist of a collection of works completed throughout the student's time in the tDPT program. The ePortfolio will be compiled in conjunction with a written reflection highlighting application of coursework into clinical practice and a survey of perceived student outcomes. This portfolio is intended to allow the learner to appreciate the advances in knowledge, skills, and behaviors experienced since the time of enrollment in the tDPT program.
Outcome 4: Professional Collaboration
Students will demonstrate effective interpersonal communication in the exchange of information with colleagues across the state and nation for developing professional networks, collaboration, and support.
  1. Students will participate in forum discussions throughout the semester in each of the tDPT courses. Through these faculty initiated conversations students will discuss clinically relevant issues and share ideas and experiences with each other.
Physical Therapy Code of Ethics
Preamble
The Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist (Code of Ethics) delineates the ethical obligations of all physical therapists as determined by the House of Delegates of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). The purposes of this Code of Ethics are to:

  1. Define the ethical principles that form the foundation of physical therapist practice in patient/client management, consultation, education, research, and administration.
  2. Provide standards of behavior and performance that form the basis of professional accountability to the public.
  3. Provide guidance for physical therapists facing ethical challenges, regardless of their professional roles and responsibilities.
  4. Educate physical therapists, students, other health care professionals, regulators, and the public regarding the core values, ethical principles, and standards that guide the professional conduct of the physical therapist.
  5. Establish the standards by which the American Physical Therapy Association can determine if a physical therapist has engaged in unethical conduct.
No code of ethics is exhaustive nor can it address every situation. Physical therapists are encouraged to seek additional advice or consultation in instances where the guidance of the Code of Ethics may not be definitive.
This Code of Ethics is built upon the five roles of the physical therapist (management of patients/clients, consultation, education, research, and administration), the core values of the profession, and the multiple realms of ethical action (individual, organizational, and societal). Physical therapist practice is guided by a set of seven core values: accountability, altruism, compassion/caring, excellence, integrity, professional duty, and social responsibility. Throughout the document the primary core values that support specific principles are indicated in parentheses.
Unless a specific role is indicated in the principle, the duties and obligations being delineated pertain to the five roles of the physical therapist. Fundamental to the Code of Ethics is the special obligation of physical therapists to empower, educate, and enable those with impairments, activity limitations, participation restrictions, and disabilities to facilitate greater independence, health, wellness, and enhanced quality of life.
Principles:
Principle #1: Physical therapists shall respect the inherent dignity and rights of all individuals. (Core Values: Compassion, Integrity)

1A. Physical therapists shall act in a respectful manner toward each person regardless of age, gender, race, nationality, religion, ethnicity, social or economic status, sexual orientation, health condition, or disability.
1B. Physical therapists shall recognize their personal biases and shall not discriminate against others in physical therapist practice, consultation, education, research, and administration.
 
Principle #2: Physical therapists shall be trustworthy and compassionate in addressing the rights and needs of patients/clients. (Core Values: Altruism, Compassion, Professional Duty)

2A. Physical therapists shall adhere to the core values of the profession and shall act in the best interests of patients/clients over the interests of the physical therapist.
2B. Physical therapists shall provide physical therapy services with compassionate and caring behaviors that incorporate the individual and cultural differences of patients/clients.
2C. Physical therapists shall provide the information necessary to allow patients or their surrogates to make informed decisions about physical therapy care or participation in clinical research.
2D. Physical therapists shall collaborate with patients/clients to empower them in decisions about their health care.
2E. Physical therapists shall protect confidential patient/client information and may disclose confidential information to appropriate authorities only when allowed or as required by law.
 
Principle #3: Physical therapists shall be accountable for making sound professional judgments. (Core Values: Excellence, Integrity)

3A. Physical therapists shall demonstrate independent and objective professional judgment in the patient's/client's best interest in all practice settings.
3B. Physical therapists shall demonstrate professional judgment informed by professional standards, evidence (including current literature and established best practice), practitioner experience, and patient/client values.
3C. Physical therapists shall make judgments within their scope of practice and level of expertise and shall communicate with, collaborate with, or refer to peers or other health care professionals when necessary.
3D. Physical therapists shall not engage in conflicts of interest that interfere with professional judgment.
3E. Physical therapists shall provide appropriate direction of and communication with physical therapist assistants and support personnel.
 
Principle #4: Physical therapists shall demonstrate integrity in their relationships with patients/clients, families, colleagues, students, research participants, other healthcare providers, employers, payers, and the public. (Core Value: Integrity)

4A. Physical therapists shall provide truthful, accurate, and relevant information and shall not make misleading representations.
4B. Physical therapists shall not exploit persons over whom they have supervisory, evaluative or other authority (e.g., patients/clients, students, supervisees, research participants, or employees).
4C. Physical therapists shall discourage misconduct by healthcare professionals and report illegal or unethical acts to the relevant authority, when appropriate.
4D. Physical therapists shall report suspected cases of abuse involving children or vulnerable adults to the appropriate authority, subject to law.
4E. Physical therapists shall not engage in any sexual relationship with any of their patients/clients, supervisees, or students.
4F. Physical therapists shall not harass anyone verbally, physically, emotionally, or sexually.
 
Principle #5: Physical therapists shall fulfill their legal and professional obligations. (Core Values: Professional Duty, Accountability)

5A. Physical therapists shall comply with applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
5B. Physical therapists shall have primary responsibility for supervision of physical therapist assistants and support personnel.
5C. Physical therapists involved in research shall abide by accepted standards governing protection of research participants.
5D. Physical therapists shall encourage colleagues with physical, psychological, or substance related impairments that may adversely impact their professional responsibilities to seek assistance or counsel.
5E. Physical therapists who have knowledge that a colleague is unable to perform their professional responsibilities with reasonable skill and safety shall report this information to the appropriate authority.
5F. Physical therapists shall provide notice and information about alternatives for obtaining care in the event the physical therapist terminates the provider relationship while the patient/client continues to need physical therapy services.
 
Principle #6: Physical therapists shall enhance their expertise through the lifelong acquisition and refinement of knowledge, skills, abilities, and professional behaviors. (Core Value: Excellence)

6A. Physical therapists shall achieve and maintain professional competence.
6B. Physical therapists shall take responsibility for their professional development based on critical self-assessment and reflection on changes in physical therapist practice, education, healthcare delivery, and technology.
6C. Physical therapists shall evaluate the strength of evidence and applicability of content presented during professional development activities before integrating the content or techniques into practice.
6D. Physical therapists shall cultivate practice environments that support professional development, life-long learning, and excellence.
 
Principle #7: Physical therapists shall promote organizational behaviors and business practices that benefit patients/clients and society. (Core Values: Integrity, Accountability)

7A. Physical therapists shall promote practice environments that support autonomous and accountable professional judgments.
7B. Physical therapists shall seek remuneration as is deserved and reasonable for physical therapist services.
7C. Physical therapists shall not accept gifts or other considerations that influence or give an appearance of influencing their professional judgment.
7D. Physical therapists shall fully disclose any financial interest they have in products or services that they recommend to patients/clients.
7E. Physical therapists shall be aware of charges and shall ensure that documentation and coding for physical therapy services accurately reflect the nature and extent of the services provided.
7F. Physical therapists shall refrain from employment arrangements, or other arrangements, that prevent physical therapists from fulfilling professional obligations to patients/clients.
 
Principle #8: Physical therapists shall participate in efforts to meet the health needs of people locally, nationally, or globally. (Core Values: Social Responsibility)

8A. Physical therapists shall provide pro bono physical therapy services or support organizations that meet the health needs of people who are economically disadvantaged, uninsured, and underinsured.
8B. Physical therapists shall advocate to reduce health disparities and health care inequities, improve access to health care services, and address the health, wellness, and preventive health care needs of people.
8C. Physical therapists shall be responsible stewards of health care resources and shall avoid over-utilization or under-utilization of physical therapy services.
8D. Physical therapists shall educate members of the public about the benefits of physical therapy and the unique role of the physical therapist.

 

Transfer Credit
The tDPT will accept up to two post-profession courses (six credit hours) from other colleges or universities that are comparable in course content and academic level. Acceptance of transfer credits will be at the discretion of the TTUHSC Registrar and with concurrence of the tDPT program director. Students must complete at least 27 credit hours (including transfer credits) to receive the tDPT degree from TTUHSC if they possess a Master's degree in physical therapy and 33 hours if they possess a Bachelor's degree in physical therapy.
Academic Progress Requirements
The tDPT curriculum requires the completion of 27 semester credit hours for students with a Master’s degree in physical therapy or 33 semester credit hours for those students with a Bachelor’s degree in physical therapy. The curriculum consists of a set of required courses and a variety of elective courses. Each student will work with the program director to establish a degree plan upon admission to the program that is flexible and designed to best meet the student's professional interests and goals. All curricular degree requirements must be completed in no more than five years. Any changes in the degree plan require a request in writing from the student to the program director, and approval of the program director.
 
Students are required to successfully complete at least six semester credit hours (two courses) within each academic year (defined as consecutive Fall, Spring and Summer semesters). A student who fails to meet this academic progress requirement is subject to dismissal (refer to "Dismissal from the tDPT Program" section below). An approved Leave of Absence exempts the student from this academic progress requirement during the interval of the absence.

 

Academic Probation
A student will be placed on Academic Probation for any of the following reasons:

  1. Failure to maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.70 or higher. Cumulative GPA is calculated at the end of each semester. For a student to return to good academic standing and be removed from Academic Probation in this situation, the student must raise his or her cumulative GPA to 2.70 or higher by the end of the following semester. A student whose cumulative GPA is less than 2.70 in consecutive semesters (i.e., fails to come off Academic Probation) is subject to dismissal (refer to "Dismissal from the tDPT Program" section below).
  2. Receiving a course grade of "In Progress (PR)" or "Incomplete (I)" in two or more courses during any one semester. For a student to return to good academic standing and be removed from Academic Probation in this situation, the student must resolve the "In Progress" or "Incomplete" status in the applicable course(s) by the end of a semester that is specified in writing by the course instructor. To resolve the "In Progress" or "Incomplete" and return to good academic standing (i.e., be removed from Academic Probation), the student must meet in person or communicate via phone conversation or electronically with the course instructor(s) for the applicable course(s). The course instructor(s) will assign academic work to the student, including, but not limited to, all unfinished academic work as deemed necessary by the instructor(s) to complete the courses. A student who does not resolve a "PR" or "I" course grade will be subject to receiving a course grade of "F".
A student who has been on Academic Probation twice and subsequently meets any of the criteria for Academic Probation a third time is subject to dismissal on grounds of academic deficiency (refer to "Dismissal from the tDPT Program" section below).

 

Recycling
Recycling in the tDPT program is the re-taking of an entire course in which the student received a course grade of "D" or "F". For a course to be successfully recycled, a passing course grade of "C" or better must be obtained the next time the course is offered in the curriculum. A student who does not successfully recycle a course in which he or she received a grade of "D" or "F" will be subject to dismissal on grounds of academic deficiency (refer to "Dismissal from the tDPT Program" section below). A student enrolled in the tDPT program is allowed to recycle only one course and that course can only be recycled one time.
 
Recycling Requirements Document
Criteria that constitute successful recycling of a course will be specified in a "Recycling Requirements Document" that will be written by the program director. The program director and department chair will sign the document. The student is required to read and sign the document, as an acknowledgment that the student is cognizant of the criteria for successful recycling. If the student refuses to sign the Recycling Requirements Document or refuses to recycle, the student is subject to dismissal (refer to "Dismissal from the tDPT Program" section below). Copies of the signed Recycling Requirements Document will be provided to the student, program director, department chair, Director of the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs, and the student's academic advisor.
 
Other Considerations With Respect to Recycling
Both the original and recycled course grades are used to calculate cumulative GPA, and both course grades will appear on the student's transcript.
 
After successfully recycling, a student is subject to dismissal if there are any instances of subsequent academic deficiency, including a cumulative GPA below 2.70 or receiving a course grade of "D" or "F" in any course (refer to "Dismissal from the tDPT Program" section below).
 
It is the student's responsibility to obtain financial information and pay for additional expenses that will be incurred as a result of recycling.

 

Student Misconduct
Student misconduct can lead to dismissal with no opportunity to remediate or recycle. For policies and procedures related to behavioral deficiencies and misconduct, refer to the TTUHSC Student Handbook, available at the following website: https://www.ttuhsc.edu/student-affairs/handbook.aspx 
  
Dismissal from the tDPT Program
A student enrolled in the tDPT program is subject to dismissal for any of the following reasons:

  1. Poor academic performance
    1. Failure to maintain the academic standard of a cumulative GPA of 2.70 or higher for two consecutive semesters.
    2. Failure to maintain the academic standard of a cumulative GPA of 2.70 or higher for any three semesters of the curriculum.
    3. Failure to successfully Recycle a course, or refusal to sign a "Recycling Requirements Document" or to agree to recycle a course (see section on "Recycling").
    4. Receiving a course grade of "D" or "F" in two or more courses or the same course twice.
    5. Failure to maintain the academic standard of a cumulative GPA of 2.70 or higher in any subsequent semester after successfully recycling a course.
  2. Failure to meet all requirements specified in the "Recycling Requirements Document."
  3. Failure to complete the curriculum within the maximum allowable time of five academic years.
  4. Failure to complete six credit hours in each academic year (defined as consecutive Fall, Spring and Summer semesters) without written approval of the program director.
  5. Failure to comply with tDPT program Leave of Absence procedures in the event that the student does not enroll in courses for more than two consecutive semesters (Fall, Spring or Summer).
  6. Based upon a complaint of misconduct as set forth in the TTUHSC Student Handbook.

Dismissal procedures will occur in compliance with the dismissal policy established by the School of Health Professions. Refer to the School of Health Professions policy entitled "Academic Dismissal" available at the following website: https://hscweb.ttuhsc.edu/health-professions/current/policies.aspx