Professionalism In Physical Therapy

Professionalism is a must for a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student or DPT program to be truly successful. The American Physical Therapy Association adheres to seven core values, which encompass and promote professionalism: Accountability, altruism, compassion/caring, excellence, integrity, professional duty, and social responsibility (APTA Core Values, n.d.). Doctor of physical therapy students should understand, display, and develop these core values throughout their professional program and career. This can be accomplished through continually reassessing oneself and emulating professors, colleagues, and leaders who display these characteristics. Professionalism is more than dressing nicely or acting like a gentleman; it is an embodied way of life – who you are - that dictates everything that a DPT student or a physical therapist (PT) does.

Accountability refers to answering to oneself and/or others for your actions and behavior. Taking full responsibility and holding myself accountable at all times means not blaming others or making excuses for my own actions. I also expect my peers and professors to hold me accountable, as I will them. I need help to stay on top of my studies and to ensure I have the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being to be the best future …show more content…
Physical therapists must be proactive and constantly seek ways to better serve their profession through continuing education, improving therapist-patient relationships, and gaining a greater understanding of what physical therapy is truly all about. Doctor of physical therapy students should be active members of the APTA, seek out mentors in the classroom and the clinic, and provide the best care to patients during clinical