Coursework

The Mission of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Physical Therapy Program is to: “meet the physical therapy needs of the people in the State of Wisconsin and beyond. The curriculum is designed to produce a generalist clinician who is able to function in a caring, professional manner and who has the foundation to assume the roles of physical therapy teacher, researcher, administrator, and consultant.”

The Philosophy of the UW-Madison Physical Therapy Program is to prepare the graduate for his/her primary role in patient care, i.e., “to alleviate suffering, to enhance physical abilities and wellness, and to improve the quality of life of persons seeking care. These roles are carried out through the processes of patient management and the education of patients, families, colleagues, and the community. The graduate also furthers the advancement of the profession by collaborating in and supporting research to advance the science of patient care.”

Curricular Goals

1. Provide for the physical therapy needs of patients of all ages and levels of development.
2. Practice within the ethical guidelines set forth by the American Physical Therapy Association, as well as within established legal and moral standards.
3. Interact effectively and with sensitivity to people of diverse cultural backgrounds.
4. Practice the science and art of physical therapy in a manner which improves quality of life for patients under her/his care.
5. Develop and implement programs to promote wellness and prevent disease, deformity, and injury.
6. Maximize patient function by consulting effectively with patients, family, community, and other members of the health care team.
7. Provide leadership in supervisory and administrative functions for the purpose of improving patient care, focusing on cost-efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of care.
8. Critically evaluate scientific and non-scientific literature, and apply relevant findings to clinical practice.
9. Support and/or participate in clinical or basic research pertinent to the physical therapy profession.
10. Pursue academic or professional post-graduate education, or both, to effectively anticipate and meet emerging health care needs and/or academic needs of the physical therapy profession.
11. Provide leadership in matters affecting physical therapy care delivery at local, state, and national levels.
12. Display and consistently practice professional behaviors as described by the Generic Abilities (May et al.).
13. Display and consistently practice physical therapy in concordance with the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice (APTA).

Consistent with traditional education theory, the Program’s curriculum is sequenced in a progressive fashion across cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains. Individual student learning styles are ascertained through assessment exercises early in the Program to assist the faculty in the development of appropriate instructional methods. The curriculum is based on shared responsibility between faculty and students, adult learning, collaborative learning, ability-based learning and assessment, and the Generic Abilities.

For detailed information on curricular goals, Generic Abilities, and specific courses and descriptions, see the Curriculum section of this website.

Quotes from Students About Coursework

"Although the coursework is extremely challenging, it is amazing to see all the hard work pay off in clinic." - Jim, PT-2

"I love being asked to integrate what we're learning. It makes the experience much more realistic and true to practice." - Christa, PT-1

"The labs are interactive experiences where we can practice our skills. From practicing a thrust technique in spine to vestibular rehabilitation in neuro, there is always something new to learn." - Mary, PT-2

"Upon graduation, I know that not only will I have the core skills needed to become an excellent practitioner, but I will be confident in investigating new research as it develops. My patients will benefit from evidence-based medicine and I will continue to grow as a lifelong learner." - Chantel, PT-1

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Physical Therapy - University of Wisconsin Department of Orthopedics & Rehabilitation
First published: 01/01/04 Last updated: 05/09/08 webmaster@surgery.wisc.edu
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