Pacific University
School of Physical Therapy
Professional Behaviors
Behavior Beginning Level Behavioral Criteria Developing Level Behavioral Criteria Entry Level Behavioral Criteria
(First years) (Second years) (Third years)
1. Commitment to Identifies problems; formulates appropriate Prioritizes information needs; analyzes Applies new information and re-evaluates
Learning questions; identifies and locates appropriate and subdivides large questions into performance; accepts that there may be more than
resources; demonstrates a positive attitude components; seeks out professional one answer to a problem; recognizes the need to and
(motivation) toward learning; offers own literature; sets personal and professional is able to verify solutions to problems; reads articles
thoughts and ideas; identifies need for further goals; identifies own learning needs critically and understands the limits of application to
information. based on previous experiences; plans professional practice; researches and studies areas
and presents an in-service, or research or where knowledge base is lacking.
case studies; welcomes and/or seeks new
learning opportunities.
2. Interpersonal Maintains professional demeanor in all Recognizes impact of non-verbal Listens to patient but reflects back to original
Skills clinical interactions; demonstrates interest in communication and modifies concern; works effectively with challenging patients;
patients as individuals; respects cultural and accordingly; assumes responsibility for responds effectively to unexpected experiences; talks
personal differences of others; is non- own actions; motivates others to about difficult issues with sensitivity and objectivity;
judgmental about patients’ lifestyles; achieve; establishes trust; seeks to gain delegates to others as needed; approaches others to
communicates with others in a respectful, knowledge and input from others; discuss differences in opinion; accommodates
confident manner; respects personal space of respects role of support staff. differences in learning styles.
patients and others; maintains confidentiality
in all clinical interactions; demonstrates
acceptance of limited knowledge and
experiences.
3. Communication Demonstrates understanding of basic English Utilizes non-verbal communication to Modifies communication (verbal and written) to
Skills (verbal and written): uses correct grammar, augment verbal message; restates, meet needs of different audiences; presents verbal or
accurate spelling and expression; writes reflects and clarifies message; collects written messages with logical organization and
legibly; recognizes impact of non-verbal necessary information from the patient sequencing; maintains open and constructive
communication: listens actively; maintains interview. communication; utilizes communication technology
eye contact. effectively; dictates clearly and concisely.
4. Effective Use of Focuses on tasks at hand without dwelling on Sets up own schedule; coordinates Sets priorities and reorganizes when needed;
Time & past mistakes; recognizes own resource schedule with others; demonstrates considers patient’s goals in context of patient, clinic
Resources limitations; uses existing resources flexibility; plans ahead. and third party resources; has ability to say “No”;
effectively; uses unscheduled time performs multiple tasks simultaneously and delegates
efficiently; completes assignments in timely when appropriate; uses scheduled time with each
fashion. patient efficiently.
1-9a
Modified 1999 from original Generic Abilities as developed by University of Wisconsin-Madison Program in Physical Therapy
Pacific University
School of Physical Therapy
Professional Behaviors
5. Use of Demonstrates active listening skills; actively Assesses own performance accurately; Seeks feedback from clients; modifies feedback
Constructive seeks feedback and help; demonstrates a utilizes feedback when establishing pre- given to clients according to their learning styles;
Feedback positive attitude toward feedback; critiques professional goals; provides constructive reconciles differences with sensitivity; considers
own performance; maintains two-way and timely feedback when establishing multiple approaches when responding to feedback.
information. pre-professional goals; develops plan of
action in response to feedback.
6. Problem- Recognizes problems; states problems Prioritizes problems; identifies Implements solutions; reassesses solutions; evaluates
Solving clearly; describes known solutions to contributors to problem; considers outcomes; updates solutions to problems based on
problem; identifies resources needed to consequences of possible solutions; current research; accepts responsibility for
develop solutions; begins to examine consults with others to clarify problem. implementing of solutions.
multiple solutions to problems.
7. Professionalism Abides by APTA Code of Ethics; Identifies positive professional role Demonstrates accountability for professional
demonstrates awareness of state licensure models; discusses societal expectations decisions; treats patients within scope of expertise;
regulations; abides by facility policies and of the profession; acts on moral discusses role of physical therapy in health care;
procedures; projects professional image; commitment; involves other health care keeps patient as priority.
attends professional meetings; demonstrates professionals in decision-making; seeks
honesty, compassion, courage and informed consent from patients.
continuous regard for all.
8. Responsibility Demonstrates dependability; demonstrates Accepts responsibility for actions and Directs patients to other health care professionals
punctuality; follows through on outcomes; provides safe and secure when needed; delegates as needed; encourages
commitments; recognizes own limits. environment for patients; offers and patient accountability.
accepts help ; completes projects without
prompting.
9. Critical Raises relevant questions; considers all Feels challenged to examine ideas; Exhibits openness to contradictory ideas; assess
Thinking available information; states the results of understands scientific method; issues raised by contradictory ideas; justifies
scientific literature; recognizes “holes” in formulates new ideas; seeks alternative solutions selected; determines effectiveness of
knowledge base; articulates ideas. ideas; formulates alternative hypotheses; applied solutions.
critiques hypotheses and ideas.
10. Stress Recognizes owns stressors or problems; Maintains balance between professional Prioritizes multiple commitments; responds calmly
Management recognizes distress or problems in others; and personal life; demonstrates effective to urgent situations; tolerates inconsistencies in
seeks assistance as needed; maintains affective responses in all situations; health care environment.
professional demeanor in all situations. accepts constructive feedback;
establishes outlets to cope with stressors.
1-9b
Modified 1999 from original Generic Abilities as developed by University of Wisconsin-Madison Program in Physical Therapy