Title: Development of the Profession
Course: PHT 1007 Topics in Physical Therapy > Section: Module 1

Introduction

In this module, we begin by looking back through history to see how the profession of physical therapy started and what it has evolved into today. As you read through the materials, you will see that the profession has been around for many years. You will read about people that you have undoubtedly heard about before--like Aristotle and Hippocrates. Who knew these great men had any involvement in physical therapy!

There have been a number of historic events throughout time that have had a significant impact on the development and growth of the profession of physical therapy. Many of these events have impacted how physical therapy is delivered and by whom. Over time, we have moved from restorative aides to physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. There has been enormous growth and change in the educational process, and I believe we can expect to continue to see change with the continued emphasis on the Vision 2020 statement. It will be interesting to see what impact the movement toward the doctorate degree for the physical therapist will have on the educational process for the physical therapist assistant.

Module Objectives

Upon successful completion, the student should be able to:

- Recite the definition for the practice of physical therapy as defined by APTA.
- Describe the various characteristics of a profession in a written or verbal format.
- Recall the historical development of Physical Therapy from origin to current practice based upon APTA literature distributed and discussed in class.
- List approximate dates of significant events in the history of the physical therapy profession.
- Identify prominent names in the development of the field of Physical Therapy.
- Name the 1st Physical Therapist Assistant Educational program in the United States and the year it originated.

Readings

Chapter 1 Development of the Physical Therapy Profession

Module1_Development of the Profession.pdf

Visit the website for the American Physical Therapy Association, www.apta.org

Assignments

- Post and reply in the Introduction Discussion
- Complete Student Contract
- Complete Readings
- Post and reply in Discussion 1: APTA website discussion
- Complete Quiz 1: Development of the professional