Department of Physical Therapy

Ronald De Vera Barredo, PT, D.P.T., Ed. D., Department Chair
Office: 368 Clement Hall
(615) 963-5881
rbarredo@tnstate.edu

Major: Physical Therapy (PHTH)
Degree: Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.)

Physical therapists are health care professionals who apply knowledge and skills from the basic clinical and behavioral sciences to prevent or correct acute and chronic physical disorders. Physical therapists design and implement treatment programs to assist patients in achieving maximum levels of independence. This is achieved through prevention of or adaptation to disability, restoration of function, relief of pain, and promotion of healing.

Physical therapists work in a variety of settings with other members of the health care team. These settings include hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, home health agencies, rehabilitation centers, private clinics, and schools.

The physical therapy program at Tennessee State University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Philosophy

The DPT program at Tennessee State University recognizes the reciprocal and responsive nature of professional education, where both the learner and the educator collaborate as partners in the learning process. Inherent in the relationship is the primacy of the learner and the facilitative role of the educator as together they embark on a process of professional education.

Statement of Principles

Integral to the educational partnership is the recognition and acknowledgement of the roles, rights, and responsibilities unique to and common between the learner and the educator. The learner is expected to develop and exhibit characteristics of adult learners including, but not limited to, being problem-centered, willing to learn, and being self-directed. The learner is also expected to be a change agent willing to challenge habituated thoughts and practices as physical therapy moves toward the doctoring profession. The educator is expected to uphold high academic standards, respect learner diversity, be role models of professional behavior, and create an environment conducive for effective learning to occur.

Mission

The Mission of Department of Physical Therapy is to graduate competent entry-level physical therapists who demonstrate cultural competence, apply research evidence to practice, uphold the code of ethics, value lifelong learning, and engage in socially responsible community leadership.

Goals and Outcomes

Program:
1. To maintain accreditation as an educational program preparing physical therapists who embody the mission statement
2. To promote diversity in the physical therapy profession by increasing the number of physical therapists from underrepresented populations
3. To foster a community of scholar-practitioners between and among the academic faculty, clinical faculty, and students who serve the community
Faculty:
1. To engage in a continual process of improvements in teaching
2. To exercise professional and social responsibility by participating in institutional, professional, and community service
3. To engage in scholarly endeavors which contribute to the body of knowledge of the profession
Students: At the end of the Physical Therapy program, graduates will be able to:
1. pass the National Physical Therapy Examination
2. use the principles of evidence-based practice
3. communicate and collaborate effectively and confidently in the health care community
4. provide therapy to a diverse population with respect for patient differences
5. practice in a safe, legal, and ethical manner
6. practice autonomously within the scope of practice
7. demonstrate competence as a generalist entry-level physical therapist
8. make decisions related to patient care using reflective critical thinking
9. serve as compassionate practitioners and patient advocates
10. display leadership and professionalism
11. engage in lifelong learning
12. provide community service

Graduate Faculty

Programs

Doctoral

Physical Therapy (PHTH), D.P.T.

Courses

Physical Therapy