Dr. Joel Tenbrink is Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) Assistant Program Director within the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. Dr. Tenbrink has currently been with RMuoHP for nearly six years and has been working as a Physical Therapist for the past 14 years. Dr. Tenbrink earned his Bachelor’s of Science in Athletic Training from Brigham Young University (BYU), got his MSPT from the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, and received a Ph.D. from the University of Idaho. Altogether, Dr. Tenbrink has been in Education in either Athletic Training, Physical Therapy Assisting (PTA), or Physical Therapy for ten years and has brought his expertise and experience to his role at RMUoHP.
The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree program at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) is an eight-semester onsite residential program designed to produce physical therapists who can work in a variety of clinical settings to provide innovative, evidence-based intervention plans centered on current research. The Rocky Mountain University Doctor of Physical Therapy program includes a mix of the traditional lecture/lab and blended/online courses.
Combining the best technology, a world-class faculty, and clinical advances, as well as contemporary educational theory and an accelerated program, the doctorate in physical therapy program at RMUoHP is an excellent fit for highly motivated students who wish to be active participants in their education.
As we reach an end of 2018, I look at our once future goal of APTA vision 2020. In 2000, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) undertook a vision of transforming the profession with Vision 2020. The goal was that by the year 2020, physical therapists would be supported by the following aspects: Autonomous practice- Physical Therapists are autonomous and collaborative in all practice environments to provide the best care. The PT would be independent, self-determined, and practice with professional judgment and action.
- Direct access- Patients would be able to see a physical therapist without a referral from another healthcare provider.
- Doctor of Physical Therapy and lifelong education- The entry-level degree would be a DPT reflecting the body of knowledge expected of a professional physical therapist. Physical therapists and PTAs would engage in the continued acquisition of knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- Evidence-based practice- Physical therapists will use the best available evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values to direct care of their patients.
- A practitioner of choice- Consumers would view the Physical Therapist as the practitioner of choice for health concerns related to movement, function, and health.
- Professionalism- Physical therapists consistently follow the core values of altruism, excellence, caring, ethics, respect, communication, and accountability. They will work with other health care professionals to achieve optimal health and wellness in individuals and communities.
Rocky Mountain University of Health Profession’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program continues to value and instruct those aspects set forth in vision 2020. Students are taught to be autonomous and collaborative. They find and utilize the best available evidence (through our four Evidence-based practice courses). They are taught differential diagnosis to appropriately manage direct access patients. They become experts in the field of movement science. They develop as professionals incorporating the core values of altruism, excellence, ethics, caring, compassion, communication, and accountability. They earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. More than earning the degree, they become Doctor of Physical Therapy. They are seen by peers and society as doctors with specialized expertise, excellent interpersonal skills, skilled hands, and caring hearts. They are given permission by society to take care of our loved ones.
While Doctors of Physical Therapy are held to a high standard, they continue to develop new and interesting opportunities to meet the new vision of the APTA –Transforming society by optimizing movement to enhance the human experience. The profession has evolved, but it is in no way done evolving. New roles within healthcare organizations include physical therapists as primary care providers, as consultants, as wellness experts, and as researchers seeking to maximize outcomes. While the degree advanced, it brought with it a multitude of opportunities to utilize the skill of the physical therapist to best meet the needs of individuals and society. What an exciting time to be a physical therapist! The profession and knowledge base are expanding, and physical therapists are making big impacts in health and wellness. While the new vision is broad, I look forward to the next step of the profession with continually expanding roles.
Joel Tenbrink, PT, Ph.D., ATC
