Physical Therapy Program Accreditation and Student Outcomes

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Pacific University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 503-325-7377 or email dgerber@pacificu.edu.

Procedure for submitting a complaint about the program to CAPTE

CAPTE has a mechanism to consider formal complaints about physical therapy education programs that allege a program is not in compliance with one or more of CAPTE's Evaluative Criteria or has violated any of CAPTE's expectations related to academic integrity.

CAPTE will not consider complaints that fall outside the jurisdiction/authority as expressed in the Evaluative Criteria and the academic integrity statements.  When appropriate, complainants will be referred to other organizations to pursue their concern(s).

In order for CAPTE to consider a formal complaint, several conditions must be met:

• The complaint must be specifically linked to the relevant Evaluative Criteria or to the integrity statement.
• The complainant must have exhausted all remedies available through the institution, if appropriate.
• The complaint must be submitted in writing, using the format prescribed by CAPTE, and must be signed by the complainant.
• The event(s) being complained about must have occurred at least in part within the last three (3) years of the date the complaint is filed.

In reviewing and acting on a complaint, CAPTE cannot and does not function as an arbiter between the complainant and the institution.  Should CAPTE find that a complaint has merit and that the program is out of compliance with the Evaluative Criteria or the integrity statement(s), CAPTE can only require the program to come into compliance with the Evaluative Criteria.  CAPTE cannot force a program into any specific resolution of the situation that is requested in the complaint.

To obtain the materials necessary for submitting a complaint, contact the APTA Accreditation Department at 703/706-3245 or at accreditation@apta.org.

Pacific University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

Student Outcomes | Physical Therapy

The graduate of this curriculum will be able to:

1. Examine patients/clients of all ages through the process of obtaining a history, performing relevant systems reviews, and selecting and administering specific tests and measures.
2. Make clinical judgments based on data gathered during examination/reexamination (i.e. evaluation), and formulate diagnoses by organizing results of evaluation to help determine the most appropriate intervention strategies, including referral to other health professionals.
3. Make prognoses by determining the level of optimal improvement that might be attained through intervention and the amount of time required to reach that level.
4. Establish patient-directed measurable goals which lead to functional and optimal outcomes within a specified time frame.
5. Implement interventions with the patient/client/caregiver using various physical therapy methods and techniques to produce changes in the condition that are consistent with the diagnosis and prognosis.
6. Utilize interventions which take into account the patient’s/client’s physical and psychological status and cultural background.
7. Obtain and utilize outcome measures to facilitate remediation of functional limitation and disability, optimization of patient/client satisfaction, and prevention.
8. Act as a case manager, educator, consultant, and patient advocate in diverse settings.
9. Effectively interact with patients/clients, family and support systems, payers, and others professionals in the health care system.
10. Supervise and manage support personnel, including the delegation of appropriate tasks.
11. Provide education using a variety of teaching methods that are commensurate with the needs and unique characteristics of the learner(s).
12. Communicate with patients/clients, family, caregivers, other professionals, consumers, and payers with cultural sensitivity.
13. Complete accurate, analytically sound, concise, timely, and legible documentation that follows the specific forms required by a practice setting. 
14. Demonstrate professional behaviors in all interactions with patients/clients, families, caregivers, other professionals, students, other consumers, and payers.
15. Adhere to all safe, legal, and ethical practice standards. 
16. Promote optimal health by providing information on wellness, prevention, impairment, functional limitation, disability, and health risks related to age, ability, gender, culture, and lifestyle.
17. Understand the importance of participation in professional organizations/activities and the legislative process.
18. Demonstrate social responsibility by advocating for patients/clients and by providing pro bono services.
19. Pursue personal and professional development by self-assessment, peer assessment, continuing education, and by participating in the clinical education of students.
20. Develop critical thinking skills in the area of clinical reasoning and in the evaluation of published studies, new techniques, and technology.
21. Be capable of planning, budgeting, and establishing a marketing plan and public relations activities.

Graduation Rates

National PT Examination (NPTE) Pass Rates, Pacific University Physical Therapy Program

National PT Examination (NPTE) Rates, National Average

Employment Rates 

Data is accurate as of 08.05.24