Mission Statement

The Jefferson College of Health Professions has the mission of discharging its responsibilities as a division of Thomas Jefferson University in achieving the mission of the University which is:

• To offer quality education to future physicians, nurses, scientists and allied health professions who take a leadership role in healthcare.
• To target our research efforts toward innovative treatments while expanding our knowledge of people and their environments.
• To provide compassionate, efficient, affordable and quality patient care. 

Department Of Physical Therapy Mission:
The philosophy and mission of the Department of Physical Therapy, which are congruent with the missions of the College and University, guide the strategic plan and faculty goals in the Department.  The mission and goals of the Department of Physical Therapy address education, research, health care delivery, and community and professional service:   

• Educational Mission: To graduate highly competent physical therapists who are patient advocates, leaders in the community and the profession, who are prepared to treat a culturally diverse population of clients and pursue professional development opportunities.
• Research Mission: To add to the body of knowledge in physical therapy by conducting and disseminating educational and clinical research by fostering the use of evidence based practice.
• Clinical Practice Mission: To utilize physical therapy knowledge and skills for the benefit of patients and society by providing efficient and effective health care
• Service Mission: To engage in service to the community and the profession.

The Latest Trends

As of September 2006, 165 of 210 professional entry-level  programs are accredited as or developing an entry-level DPT program. JCHP graduated its first DPT class in 2007.

To better prepare graduates to practice as PTs, courses such as Pharmacology, PT Diagnosis and Clinical Decision Making have been added to the curriculum over the past few years.  JCHP awards students a DPT degree which is appropriate for the number of credits they earn in the three year program.

Program Options

There are three pathways to earning the clinincal doctorate of Physical Therapy at Jefferson.

3+3 Program for High school students interested in the DPT
Through partnerships with select institutions, physical therapy students can earn a BS and DPT in six years after graduation from high school.
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Doctor of Physical Therapy Program (DPT)
Post-baccalaureate degree program comprised of three years of didactic work interspersed with four full-time clinical affiliations for a total of 38 weeks of clinical experience.
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Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy Program (tDPT)
US-licensed physical therapists with a BSPT or MSPT can attain degree parity with therapists who hold the professional DPT . The hybrid program has been designed for students who work full time.  Courses combine online and one or two weekend days per course.
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Licensure Exams

Graduates are eligible to take the national licensure examination and students must pass this examination in order to practice.