Mission Mission of the Department The Department of Physical Therapy serves the people of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation by providing educational programs related to physical therapy. The department's primary function is to prepare the most qualified individuals for general physical therapy practice in an environment that encourages free inquiry and scholarship.
Additional functions are to provide quality education leading to careers in teaching and research.
Corollary functions are to provide assistance and services to the community and to engage in research and scholarly activities related to the practice of physical therapy. Philosophy of the Department Physical therapy is an integral part of the health care system. Expanding knowledge in the basic and clinical sciences, and changes in the needs and mandates of society, continually place new demands on the physical therapy profession. The faculty of the Department of Physical Therapy is committed to providing educational programs responsive to expanding knowledge and the needs of society. The primary principle directing the activities of the department is the faculty's commitment to optimal patient care through physical therapy education, research and practice.