Professionalism in Physical Therapy Education

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ALL SCHOOLS What is professionalism in the context of being a student in a doctor of physical therapist degree program? (4500) Professionalism should be a priority of any graduate student. The difference between a professional and an amateur is a professional is paid for a specific skill. While a physical therapy students are not being paid for anything, they are taking on the program as if it is a job itself. Within a doctor of physical therapy degree, professionalism can and most definitely should be displayed through conduct, communication, and ethics in the classroom and in the clinic. The classroom is the first place professionalism is practiced. Common courtesies include being prepared and being on time. These are two behaviors that …show more content…

There will be conversations with peers and professors in which every student must be able to voice their own opinion while also taking other opinions and thoughts into consideration. Being open to new perspectives and learning from them is the best way to become well-rounded and to learn how to think outside of one’s own comfort zone. Professional communication should be scholarly especially when writing papers or research. The goal is to be as clear and precise as possible so that anyone can easily understand what it is being said. Professional communication should also be clear of any prejudice and for the most part clear of bias. On the other hand, personal background experiences could shed light on new topics for other …show more content…

Students should always comply with HIPPA laws and always keep information about patients’ conditions or progress confined within the clinic and only to be discussed with the licensed physical therapist that is involved. As a physical therapist there is a code of ethics that must be followed to ensure the safety of the therapist, the patient, and anyone else involved with the appointments. It is imperative that students learn these codes of ethics along with the HIPPA laws so they are not breached once the student becomes a licensed and practicing physical

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