About our Program

Image shows a graduating D P T student in her cap and gown at the graduation ceremony. She is looking off to the side and smiling.

Our Philosophy

Physical therapists are movement system experts who engage in the diagnosis and management of movement dysfunction and enhancement of physical and functional abilities; restoration, maintenance, and promotion of optimal physical function, optimal fitness and wellness, and optimal quality of life as it relates to movement and health; and prevention of the onset, symptoms, and progression of impairments of body structures and functions, activity limitations, and participation restrictions that may result from diseases, disorders, conditions, or injuries.

Physical therapist entry-level education prepares graduates for roles in primary, secondary and tertiary care, and health promotion, wellness, and fitness. The UTC DPT Program prepares graduates to perform the five elements of patient/client management: examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention, as well as consultation, education, critical inquiry, and administration. Graduates are prepared to work with patients/clients across the lifespan, in a broad range of facilities including hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities, patients’/clients’ homes, schools, industrial environments, and fitness centers.

The pursuit of excellence is a guiding precept for the UTC Doctor of Physical Therapy Program (DPT). The program faculty expect DPT graduate students to fully participate in all educational experiences as active, reflective, engaged, and self-directed adult learners, as well as program evaluation.

Learning is a dynamic process in which the teacher is a facilitator. The program faculty serve as mentors for students and guide them toward development of their highest level of competence. Program faculty participate in administration, education, research, service, and community activities in fulfilling their responsibilities to students, the university, the local community, and the profession. Participation in the educational process means not only that faculty use sound principles and techniques in the execution of classroom teaching but also that they maintain professional contemporary competence through advanced graduate studies, clinical practice, continuing education, and independent learning.

The UTC DPT curriculum is continually evaluated and updated/revised as needed so that students enter the profession as caring, thinking, analytical and questioning individuals who can function in health care systems with sound theoretical and knowledge foundations. A wide range of teaching and learning strategies are employed to prepare graduates to enter healthcare environments with the necessary skills to make responsible decisions.

Research and knowledge translation from lab to patient care are important to the continued development of the physical therapy profession. The program faculty work to contribute to the profession’s body of knowledge. In addition, the faculty are committed to providing students with the necessary skills to participate in research efforts and act as strong consumers of disseminated research in their future employment settings.

Community service and leadership in professional and local service organizations, are highly valued. These activities serve to enhance the image of physical therapy while strengthening the community at large. Community service is also an integral component of the mission of our university and college.

Our Vision

We aspire to optimize the health and wellbeing of individuals and society by transforming the physical therapy profession through education, advocacy, research, and service.

Our Mission

Through education, advocacy, research, and service, the Department of Physical Therapy facilitates the development of professional leaders who provide high-quality, holistic, evidence-informed physical therapy to individuals and society.

The Department of Physical Therapy embraces the University of Tennessee’s Statement of Aspirations: 
We are dedicated to expanding access to educational opportunities, striving to remove barriers, and making academic pursuits more affordable. Consistent with the University’s commitment to high academic standards, student achievement, and the preparation of responsible citizens, we believe that engaging with individuals from all backgrounds and perspectives fosters a vibrant learning environment that enhances critical thinking and intellectual growth. Our collective strengths make us stronger, and we are committed to promoting an atmosphere where all members of the University community feel welcome, can thrive, and achieve success. 
 

Image shows a group photo of the D P T class of 2023 along with faculty at the White Coat Ceremony. They are gathered at the front of Patten Chapel in rows. Faculty are in their formal regalia and students are wearing their white coats they received in the ceremony.

Strengths of our Program

  1. Exceptional Educational Outcomes — Our graduates consistently demonstrate strong first-time and ultimate NPTE licensure examination pass rates, reflecting the quality and rigor of our curriculum.
  2. Outstanding Value — The UTC DPT Program offers a highly competitive cost of attendance for in-state, regional, and out-of-state students, making an exceptional education an attainable investment.
  3. Distinguished Faculty and Staff — Our students are supported by an accomplished, dedicated faculty and professional staff team who are genuinely invested in their success.
  4. Deep Clinical Partnerships — We maintain a long-standing and stable network of clinical education partners at the local, regional, and national levels, providing students with rich and diverse clinical learning experiences.
  5. A Select and Motivated Student Body — We are proud to admit highly qualified students who bring strong academic foundations, professional experience, and a shared commitment to excellence.
  6. Commitment to Research and Scholarship — We believe research is essential to the profession's future and cultivate a culture of scholarly inquiry among both faculty and students.
  7. A Culture of Service — Professional and community service are core values within our department, and our students are encouraged to engage meaningfully with the communities they will one day serve.
  8. Small Class Sizes — With a cohort of 38 students, our program maintains faculty-to-student ratios that foster individual attention, mentorship, and a strong sense of community.
  9. State-of-the-Art Facilities and Equipment — Our students learn and practice in contemporary, well-equipped spaces that reflect the evolving landscape of physical therapy practice.
  10. An Exceptional Location — Chattanooga, Tennessee is a vibrant, growing, and remarkably livable city — an inspiring place to pursue a graduate education and launch a career.

Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy