Doctor of Physical Therapy graduates must possess and demonstrate the physical and cognitive skills and character attributes required to provide physical therapy services in a broad variety of clinical situations and environments. All D.P.T. candidates must perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, the following skills safely, effectively, efficiently, and in compliance with the legal and ethical standards set by the?American Physical Therapy Association?Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice:

• communicate effectively through appropriate verbal, nonverbal, and written communication with patients, families, and others;
• demonstrate ability to apply universal precautions;
• utilize appropriate tests and measures in order to perform a physical therapy examination; examples include, but are not limited to, examination and evaluation of cognitive/mental status, vital signs, skin and vascular integrity, wound status, endurance, segmental length, girth, volume, sensation, strength, tone, reflexes, movement patterns, coordination, balance, developmental stage, soft tissue, joint motion/play, cranial and peripheral nerve function, posture, gait, functional abilities, assistive devices fit/use, psychosocial needs, and the pulmonary system;
• demonstrate the ability to reach diagnostic and therapeutic judgments through analysis and synthesis of data gathered during patient/client examination in order to develop an appropriate plan of care;
• perform fully, or in a reasonably independent manner, physical therapy interventions appropriate to the patient's status and desired goals;