Department of Physical Therapy - Philosophy Statement

The profession of physical therapy is an integral and essential part of the health care delivery system. The quality of care provided by physical therapists, to a broad spectrum of citizens of all ages and backgrounds in a variety of practice environments, has been a catalyst for the profession’s expanding role. The primary purpose of physical therapy is to promote, restore and maintain optimal human function. Physical therapists are autonomous health care providers who collaborate with other providers in the system to examine, intervene and prevent human movement dysfunction.

The Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Connecticut, Neag School of Education recognizes its responsibilities as part of a major research, teaching and service institution. The challenge of discovering new knowledge complements the opportunity faculty have to prepare students who will provide compassionate and efficacious and defensible examinations, interventions and referrals to the citizens of the state and nation. Collectively and individually, the faculty are equipped to contribute to the scholarship, teaching and service roles that professional education at the graduate level requires.