Professionalism in Physical Therapy Education

As Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students move towards their career path, an extent of professionalism must be demonstrated throughout the program as a student as well. Punctuality, displaying good characteristics, and being competent are all good attributes when it comes to professionalism as a DPT student. Professionalism is instilled into DPT students to help protect the integrity and ethical values of Physical Therapy (PT), which is important as the profession continues to grow. Upon being admitted into a DPT program, majority of schools host interviews or ask for a recorded video to highly qualified candidates. It is important for potential candidates, like myself, to understand that the instant one walks into an interview or begins

DPT students must remember that they are representing themselves, the program, and a highly valued PT profession. Therefore, it is important for students to conduct themselves in a skillful manner - especially when majority of your time spent is face-to-face with a client or patient. Oftentimes, students display characteristics that tailor to their personality. For instance, displaying confidence, modesty, respectfulness and excellent mannerisms are characteristics that students like myself may already have because of our personalities, but may also contribute to the professionalism a DPT program requires. Personally, I love to help people the best way that I can, whether it comes in a form of a gesture, volunteering within the community, shadowing a PT or by lending a helping hand, I feel as if I am making a difference in somebody else’s life. Back at Florida Occupation Healthcare, I took it upon myself to help a patient feel comfortable by motivating him for therapy. This patient had an amputated toe and I was in charge of wrapping his foot in preparation for therapy. As I wrapped his foot, he spoke to me about his situation with a tone of hopelessness and I intuitively began to encourage him. He went through with his therapy session that day with confidence and came back each

By the time one makes it into a DPT program, the individual would have benefitted from having learned those fundamental characteristics of professionalism and during their tenure should hone these skills to help set them up to be professional PTs. I will apply punctuality to every aspect necessary, demonstrate good character in and out of class, and continue to expand my knowledge by asking questions and obtaining every experience I get that relates to helping people recover and carry those professional attributes into a DPT