PTY 540: Professional Formation 1

Professional Formation I is the first course in a four-course sequence threading professional development throughout the didactic curriculum. This course introduces students to the concept of professional formation in physical therapy. Students will continue to explore the foundational aspects of professionalism, including the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Core Values and the APTA Code of Ethics. Through interactive discussions and case-based scenarios, students will apply ethical decision-making skills and explore how professionalism is embodied as a DPT student within both the didactic curriculum and clinical settings. Students will gain an understanding of the Clinical Education Manual, including clinical education requirements and the use of the Exxat platform for compliance tracking. Key topics in regulatory compliance-including HIPAA, FERPA, Discrimination/Harassment, and Title IX will be discussed to understand their impact on professional practice.