By 2020, physical therapy will be provided by physical therapists who are doctors of
physical therapy, recognized by consumers and other health care professionals as the
practitioners of choice to whom consumers have direct access for the diagnosis of,
interventions for, and prevention of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities
related to movement, function, and health.
APTA Vision Statement for Physical Therapy 2020
APTA Vision Statement for Physical Therapy 2020
Physical therapy, by 2020, will be provided by physical therapists who are doctors of
physical therapy and who may be board-certified specialists. Consumers will have direct
access to physical therapists in all environments for patient/client management,
prevention, and wellness services. Physical therapists will be practitioners of choice in
patients’/clients’ health networks and will hold all privileges of autonomous practice.
Physical therapists may be assisted by physical therapist assistants who are educated and licensed to provide physical therapist directed and supervised components of
interventions.
Guided by integrity, life-long learning, and a commitment to comprehensive and accessible
health programs for all people, physical therapists and physical therapist assistants will
render evidence-based services throughout the continuum of care and improve quality of
life for society. They will provide culturally sensitive care distinguished by trust, respect,
and an appreciation for individual differences. While fully availing themselves of new
technologies, as well as basic and clinical research, physical therapists will continue to
provide direct patient/client care. They will maintain active responsibility for the growth of
the physical therapy profession and the health of the people it serves.
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Evidence-Based Practice
Evidence-based practice is access to, and application and integration of evidence to guide clinical
decision making to provide best practice for the patient/client. Evidence-based practice includes
the integration of best available research, clinical expertise, and patient/client values and
circumstances related to patient/client management, practice management, and health care policy
decision making. Aims of evidence-based practice include enhancing patient/client management
and reducing unwarranted variation in the provision of physical therapy services.
Practitioner of Choice
Physical therapists personify the elements of Vision 2020 and are recognized as the preferred
providers among consumers and other health care professionals for the diagnosis of, interventions
for, and prevention of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities related to movement, function, and health.
Professionalism
Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants consistently demonstrate core values by
aspiring to and wisely applying principles of altruism, excellence, caring, ethics, respect,
communication and accountability, and by working together with other professionals to achieve
optimal health and wellness in individuals and communities.[1] "
1 Stern DT. Measuring Medical Professionalism. Oxford University Press. New York, NY, 2006:19.
Call Campus Physical Therapy Center for a consultation with a Physical Therapist at :
650.994.7800
Campus Physical Therapy Center
Working Operational Definitions of Elements of Vision 2020
Autonomous Physical Therapy Practice
Physical therapists accept the responsibility to practice autonomously and collaboratively in all
practice environments to provide best practice to the patient/client. Autonomous physical therapist
practice is characterized by independent, self-determined, professional judgment and action.
Direct Access
Every consumer has the legal right to directly access a physical therapist throughout his/her
lifespan for the diagnosis of, interventions for, and prevention of, impairments, functional
limitations, and disabilities related to movement, function and health.
Doctor of Physical Therapy and Lifelong Education
The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is a clinical doctoral degree (entry level degree) that reflects
the growth in the body of knowledge and expected responsibilities that a professional physical
therapist must master to provide best practice to the consumer. All physical therapists and physical
therapist assistants are obligated to engage in the continual acquisition of knowledge, skills, and
abilities to advance the science of physical therapy and its role in the delivery of health care.
