Key Terms and Concepts in Physical Therapy Education

Accountability

Taking responsibility for actions and outcomes in a professional setting.

Altruism

Putting patient needs before your own; selfless care.

Compassion/Caring

Showing empathy, concern, and consideration for others.

Excellence

Striving for the highest standards through lifelong learning and skill development.

Integrity

Adhering to ethical principles and honesty in all actions.

Professional Duty

Commitment to the profession and patient care obligations.

Social Responsibility

Advocating for health promotion and addressing societal health needs.

Exxat

The online platform used to submit all clinical documentation (e.g., immunizations, forms).

FERPA

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act; form allows sharing educational info.

Two-step Mantoux

Tuberculosis screening test required before clinical placement.

APTA Membership

All PT students must join the APTA and renew yearly.

CPR Certification

Must include AED, child/infant, and 2-rescuer CPR.

Student

Learner in a clinical setting.

Clinical Instructor (CI)

Supervises student on-site and provides daily feedback.

Center Coordinator of Clinical Education (CCCE)

Coordinates student placement and site logistics.

Director of Clinical Education (DCE)

University faculty who manages overall clinical education program.

Critical Thinking

Analyzing information, questioning logic, and applying evidence.

Communication

Effective exchange of information in all formats.

Problem Solving

Recognizing, analyzing, and resolving clinical problems.

Interpersonal Skills

Respectful and culturally aware interactions with others.

Responsibility

Being accountable and following through on commitments.

Professionalism

Representing the PT profession with integrity and excellence.

Use of Feedback

Seeking, accepting, and applying constructive input.

Effective Use of Time/Resources

Managing time and resources efficiently.

Stress Management

Recognizing and handling stress productively.

Commitment to Learning

Engaging in self-assessment and ongoing education.

Health Condition

Disease or diagnosis (e.g., stroke, ACL tear).

Body Functions & Structures

Physiological or anatomical parts affected.

Impairments

Problems in body function or structure.

Activities

Execution of tasks (e.g., walking, dressing).

Activity Limitations

Difficulty performing tasks.

Participation

Involvement in life situations.

Participation Restrictions

Challenges engaging in social roles (e.g., work, family).

Environmental Factors

External physical and social environments.

Personal Factors

Internal influences (age, motivation, education).

Biopsychosocial Model

Combines medical and social models of disability; foundation of ICF.

Growth Mindset

Belief that abilities develop through effort; embraces challenges.

Fixed Mindset

Belief that intelligence and abilities are static.

Effort Praise

"You worked hard" → leads to better performance.

Talent Praise

"You're so smart" → leads to decreased performance under challenge.

Generation Z

Visual, tech-savvy, prefers working alone, likes feedback.

Millennials

Active learners, like group work, value frequent feedback.

Generation X

Independent, value relevance, prefer logical order.

Baby Boomers

Process-oriented, prefer structure, appreciate formal teaching.

Guide to PT Practice

Describes the PT scope of practice and patient management process.

Examination

Collecting patient history and performing tests.

Evaluation

Interpreting examination results to determine a diagnosis and prognosis.

Diagnosis

Labeling a patient's movement-related problem.

Prognosis

Predicting the level of improvement and time needed.

Intervention

The treatment plan designed to improve function.

Outcomes

Results of physical therapy intervention.

Collaboration

Working effectively with others toward a common goal in patient care.

Duty

Commitment to meet one's obligations and serve the needs of patients and society.

Inclusion

Valuing diverse individuals and perspectives in all interactions and care plans.

Professional Wheel Framework

Hub: Core Values; Spokes: Relationships, Practices, Skills; Tire: Behaviors we exhibit in the world.

Code of Ethics

Articulated standard of ethical behavior and a process for self-regulation in the profession.

CE Site

Clinical education site where students complete practical experiences.

DCE

Director of Clinical Education; oversees curriculum and student placements (e.g., Janice & Tara).

SCCE

Site Coordinator of Clinical Education; supervises and organizes PT student activities at a site.

CI

Clinical Instructor; directly mentors and evaluates PT students.

SPT

Student Physical Therapist; the learner in the clinical environment.

Episode of Care

Sequence of treatment for a condition; may be short, long, continuous, or episodic.

Evidence-Based

Uses research, provider expertise, and patient input to guide decisions.

Evidence-Informed

Considers a range of evidence including lived experiences and organizational data.

SDOH

Social Determinants of Health: economic, environmental, educational, and social factors impacting health.

Diagnosis (ICF)

Describes function rather than pathology; focuses on gaps between performance and capacity.

Test & Measures

Used to assess components like ROM, gait, balance, strength, posture, pain, cognition, etc.

Nonlinear Decisions

Clinical decision-making is dynamic and adaptable, not strictly step-by-step.

Traditionalists

Born 1925-1945: dependable, loyal, tactful.

Baby Boomers

Born 1946-1964: optimistic, workaholic, team-oriented.

Gen X

Born 1965-1980: skeptical, flexible, independent.

Millennials

Born 1981-2000: achievement-oriented, civic, competitive.

Gen Z

Born 2001-2020: entrepreneurial, progressive, tech-savvy.

Respect Dignity and Rights

PTs shall respect the inherent dignity, rights, and values of all individuals.

Be Trustworthy and Compassionate

Provide compassionate care that respects the patient's needs.

Accountable for Professional Judgments

Make sound decisions and take responsibility for them.

Integrity in Relationships

Demonstrate honesty and fairness in professional relationships.

Fulfill Legal and Professional Obligations

Follow laws and regulations governing PT practice.

Enhance Expertise Through Lifelong Learning

Continue developing knowledge, skills, and professional behavior.

Promote Organizational Integrity

Support policies and practices that benefit patients and the public.

Meet Health Needs of People

Participate in activities that address community and societal health needs.

Stress Management

Managing emotional and physical stress to maintain effective functioning.

Commitment to Learning

Engaging in self-assessment and lifelong learning to enhance skills and knowledge.

ICF: Activity Limitation vs Participation Restriction

Activity Limitation = difficulty executing tasks; Participation Restriction = difficulty engaging in life roles.

ICF: Environmental Barrier Example

Lack of a wheelchair ramp at a public building.

Clin Ed Requirement Deadline

Students cannot begin clinicals if all paperwork isn't submitted 2 business days before start.

Ohio University DCEs

Janice and Tara are the Directors of Clinical Education.

Fixed vs Growth Mindset

Fixed: avoids challenges, gives up, threatened by success. Growth: embraces challenges, perseveres, inspired by others.