School of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training

The Pacific University School of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training offers a three-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, granted to students who complete the entry-level program. The School also offers a Master's of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) degree. The School has been graduating professional physical therapists since 1977 and athletic trainers since 2015. The School of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training is accredited through the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) and the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).

Mission

The School of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training educates and mentors students to become skilled, critical-thinking, and self-directed practitioners.

The mission is accomplished by preparing physical therapists and athletic trainers who provide compassionate, ethical, and innovative care, using an inquiry-driven team approach that focuses on the needs of individuals, the community, and the profession.

Vision

The School of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training at Pacific University will be renowned for:

• Faculty and graduates who serve their diverse communities through advocacy and delivery of person-centered care.
• Faculty and graduates who advance the practice of physical therapy and athletic training through post-professional education and original and translational inquiry.
• Graduates who are innovative leaders in physical therapy and athletic training and who are integral members of the inter-professional healthcare team.
• Inter-professional clinics that serve the needs of our communities and are fully integrated into the didactic and clinical components of the academic program.

Core Values

We embrace the values enacted by the College of Health Professions at Pacific University:

• Diversity of people and ideas
• Ethical and professional principles
• Health equality
• Professional and Public Advocacy
• Community Health and Wellness

The School of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training is committed to seeking and creating opportunities for a multitude of people and ideas. We embrace individuals who represent a spectrum of lived experiences and backgrounds and believe that supporting diversity enhances our academic, clinical, and professional environment.

Land Acknowledgement

Pacific University’s Hillsboro campus is located on the land of the Tualatin Kalapuyas, who called themselves the Atfalati. They are now part of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. 

Today, many Native Americans continue to have sacrifices forced upon them while making important contributions to our society. Living and present communities contribute actively and vibrantly across the land we refer to as Washington County. In Oregon, the federal government revoked tribal sovereignty and reservation land to more than 60 tribes in 1953. Discriminatory housing policies in the 20th century including redlining and exclusionary zoning have led to the displacement of people of color. This acknowledgement establishes a commitment to dismantle the continuing legacies of settler colonialism.