Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (2024)

The Department of Physical Therapy at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science is committed to preparing physical therapists for a lifelong commitment to professional growth and the potential to develop into a master clinician. The goal of the program is to educate a physical therapist who is able to practice effectively, safely, and ethically in any type of health care delivery environment. Graduates of the program consistently demonstrate the core values of the physical therapy profession by contributing to and promoting physical therapy in the areas of practice, research and education, through contributions to the health care system and the general community in which they serve.

This 2.5 year, 30 month unified and integrated entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program includes academic, clinical, and research components which offer options to explore specialty areas. Critical thinking and problem solving skills, as applied to health care systems and patient evaluation/treatment, are emphasized throughout the curriculum. Courses are integrated with each other, case studies, and direct patient contact experiences. Throughout the program, each student assembles a research portfolio representing the completion of competencies in the basic tenets of research such as: research question and hypothesis formation, research design, data collection and analysis. Each student also completes a professional practicum that allows him/her to pursue individual interests within the areas of administration, research, education, or health care policy. The program includes 34 weeks of full-time clinical education at clinical sites locally and throughout the country. Throughout the curriculum, simulated patient experiences are designed to allow students the ability to master clinical skills in a simulated outpatient clinic and through mannequin-based simulation in a critical care environment. In addition, there are multiple educational activities within the curriculum that serve as opportunities for students to practice history and examination skills and engage in accurate clinical reasoning with real-life patients.

The faculty include leaders in education, research, and service to the profession of physical therapy. Twelve faculty are recognized as Clinical Specialists by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties representing the diverse roles of contemporary physical therapy practice. Three faculty are Fellows of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists. The diversity of expertise and depth of experience of the core faculty enable graduates of the Program to excel in clinical practice and advance physical therapy research and education.

The program is home to cutting-edge technology and facilities including the Physical Therapy Movement Analysis Laboratory in which faculty and students conduct research investigating motor control and biomechanical analysis, helping to advance the study of human movement in education, research and patient care. The Interprofessional Community Clinic serves as a unique and impactful clinical opportunity for RFU students, as well as a force in the community for ensuring a healthier population - especially for the underserved. This pro-bono clinic incorporates students from all health professional training programs at RFU to create a team-based clinic setting that is truly interprofessional.

The Department of Physical Therapy is committed to the enrollment of a diverse body of talented students who will fulfill our mission to prepare entry-level physical therapists to serve society through excellence in person-centered practice, service, discovery, and professional and societal leadership. A diversity of backgrounds, preparation, and interests is desirable in fostering excellence in patient care, research, education, and service to an increasingly diverse society.

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science is a premier interprofessional health sciences university, advancing the future of health care delivery through interprofessional education. This interprofessional education model brings together all professions studying at the University for didactic, service learning, and clinical components. The Institute of Medicine and American Physical Therapy Association have suggested that healthcare professionals working in interprofessional teams can best address the complex and challenging needs of the patients of today and tomorrow. Physical Therapy graduates of Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science are prepared to lead the future of health care delivery.