Department of Physical Therapy
2024 – 2028 Strategic Plan
We are excited to introduce our new strategic plan, a visionary roadmap that aligns seamlessly with the mission and values of the School of Health Professions and Stony Brook University. This plan is designed to build upon the strong foundation of our department, which has been shaped by the dedication and excellence of our outstanding faculty, staff, alumni and community members.
Our goal is to continue this legacy of excellence by educating and empowering the next generation of physical therapists. Through innovative approaches and a commitment to academic and clinical excellence, we aim to prepare our students to meet the evolving challenges of the industry and make a meaningful impact in their communities. Together, we will ensure that our graduates are well-equipped to lead and innovate.
Mission
Our physical therapy program professes to:
- Provide physical therapy graduate education of the highest quality
- Engage in scholarship and intellectual endeavors
- Engage in service to the University, the community and the profession
- Provide leadership for the physical therapy community
Strategic Priority I – Education Delivery
Goal I.1 – Increase National Reputation | Offer a better return on investment and increase opportunities for students to explore specialty areas
Objective 1: Design a 2.5 year program
- Tactic: Hold bi-weekly meetings to develop the curriculum
- Tactic: Pass vote in the program to adopt new curriculum
Objective 2: Additional Course Offerings
- Tactic: Offer elective coursework to students
- Tactic: Capstone projects will be a required component of the education
Goal I.2 Improve Recruitment and Retention Policies | Improve how applicants are brought through the admissions process from start to finish; retain recruited students
Objective 1: Improve admissions workflow
- Tactic: Increase contacts with prospective students
- Tactic: Offer regular educational sessions to admitted students to maintain contact
Objective 2: Improve retention
- Tactic: Provide first-year student support
- Tactic: Formalize student faculty advisement meeting
Objective 3: Improve recruitment
- Tactic: Create a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Health Science majors and the DPT program
- Tactic: Participate in recruitment efforts within Stony Brook University
- Tactic: Participate with on-campus SHP recruitment events
- Tactic: Create a Pre-PT course for purposes of meeting and mentoring potential students
Goal I.3 Novel Education | Offer novel educational; experiences that offer a better return on investment that competing programs
Objective 1: Improve first-time board pass rates
- Tactic: First time pass rates on the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) will meet or exceed the national standard
- Tactic: The ultimate pass rates on the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) will exceed the national standards
- Tactic: Offer annual board prep classes with individualized remediation plans
Objective 2: Implement Simulation
- Tactic: Develop additional opportunities for simulation-based learning in the curriculum
- Tactic: Obtain cost effective simulation experiences for students
Strategic Priority II – Workforce and Culture
Goal II.1 Strengthen and Support Faculty and Staff | Create a culture of achievement and JEDIB in our faculty and staff to prepare students for the future workplace
Objective 1: Integrate justice, equality, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (JEDIB) principles into curriculum
- Tactic: Create threads of JEDIB in our curriculum
- Tactic: Participate in the School of Health Professions Diversity Day
Objective 2: Foster terminal degree achievement
- Tactic: New hires will be mentored in achieving their terminal degrees
- Tactic: Current faculty will be supported in finishing terminal degrees
Strategic Priority III – Research
Goal III.1 Research Expansion | Promote and expand research initiatives that transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries
Objective 1: Increase Interprofessional Research
- Tactic: Increase collaboration within the School of Health Professions
- Tactic: Increase external collaboration with Stony Brook Medicine
Objective 2: Increase Student Scholarship
- Tactic: Through faculty led capstone projects, students will generate scholarly products for dissemination
Strategic Priority IV – Resources
Goal IV.1 Increase Outreach and Philanthropy | Utilize social media and targeted outreach to improve visibility and alumni philanthropy
Objective 1: Enhance social media presence
- Tactic: Expand social media outreach
Objective 2: Increase alumni outreach
- Tactic: Increase philanthropy from PT alumni
Strategic Priority V – Community and Partnerships
Goal V.1 Strengthen Partnerships | Engage our community partners through events and outreach
Objective 1: Enhance community partnerships
- Tactic: Engage program with community partners
