The curriculum emphasizes experiential and problem-based learning opportunities established on sequential course offerings, integration of clinical topics, thoughtful review and application of current research and the continuum of health care through the lifespan.  The structure of the curriculum provides for a nurturing and stimulating educational environment by facilitating faculty mentoring and advising, and collaborative learning experiences between faculty and students and within student groups.  Mission driven themes have been established in development of the curriculum.  These themes are:

1. behaviors, responsibilities and expectations of practitioners of a doctoring profession
2. active, directed and integrated learning experiences in service to others
3. active learning methods and mentoring integrated throughout the curriculum, especially within student groups and between students and faculty
4. thoughtful and reflective clinical practice skills based on the current best scientific evidence available
5. wellness and health promotion related to societal needs and for individuals in various life stages, as a part of contemporary physical therapy practice
6. emphasis on human anatomy and movement as a basis for the development of physical therapy diagnosis, intervention and prevention skills

The faculty of the Physical Therapy Program embrace the following core values which shape curricular themes:

• integrity
• service
• leadership
• sensitivity
• reflection
• mentoring
• professionalism

The curriculum reflects the following principles of the program and of Bellarmine University:

• the Catholic liberal arts tradition is celebrated and provides a base for physical therapy professional education
• individual differences are recognized through a variety of active and directed learning opportunities and experiences
• learning is facilitated through role modeling and active mentoring between faculty and students and within student groups
• instruction in the physical therapy clinical sciences are developed from strong foundational sciences
• the development of clinical decision making skills is based on integrating the current evidence in physical therapy knowledge with reflective learning opportunities