Mar 29, 2024  
OHIO University Graduate Catalog 2020-21 
    
OHIO University Graduate Catalog 2020-21 [Archived Catalog]

Physical Therapy - DPT


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Doctor of Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy – DP8140

School of Rehabilitation and Communication Sciences
Division of Physical Therapy
Grover Center W290
Athens, OH 45701
740.593.1224
physical.therapy@ohio.edu

Delivery Mode: Athens Campus

Terms of Entry: Summer

Program Overview

The Division of Physical Therapy is dedicated to excellence and leadership in preparing future physical therapists with the knowledge, behavior, skills, and inter-professional experiences required to function as a movement specialist within the contemporary health care environment. The program imparts students and residents with the foundation to become expert clinicians through rigorous preparation built upon evidence-based practice principles, critical thinking, altruism, integrity, ethical conduct, and professional and fiscal responsibility. The program generates and disseminates research and scholarship that advances the practice of physical therapy. Leading by example, we enrich our rural community through clinical outreach for at-risk and/or underserved populations.

Based on the faculty’s extensive clinical expertise and national prominence in research as well as the exceptional clinical performance of our students and graduates, the Division of Physical Therapy is ranked among the top 20% of physical therapy programs in the most recent US News and World Report survey.  In addition, the Division is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

The curriculum is designed to meet the accreditation standards as well as to prepare graduates for contemporary practice. Fundamental to this preparation is the development of critical thinking and decision-making skills utilizing evidence-based practice for optimal patient care. The hybrid curriculum includes elements of traditional, system based, and problem-solving approaches. There is an intentional progression from simpler to more complex concepts/problems that require synthesis from all areas of the curriculum. Clinical skill development is integrated within the didactic, laboratory, and clinical education components of the curriculum. Synthesis coursework challenges the student to evaluate and treat the medically complex patient. Advanced assessment and treatment skills in multiple areas of practice are taught in elective courses offered during the final didactic term. The program emphasizes the development of professional leadership and community responsibility (service learning) through the creation of an individualized Professional Development Portfolio.

During the course of the curriculum, students participate in 36 weeks of full-time clinical education experiences or practicums. The Division has clinical education agreements with medical centers, rehabilitation and outpatient facilities, general acute care hospitals and specialty clinics throughout the United States. In addition, a study abroad opportunity in Botswana is available.

This is a full-time program requiring nine semesters to complete in three full calendar years.

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Students will be able to assume the role of a competent clinician in the contemporary health care environment.
  • Students will be able to utilize problem solving during patient care.
  • Students will be able to think critically as demonstrated by participation in evidence-based practice and research.
  • Students will be able to participate in life-long learning and professionalism.
  • Students will be able to assume the role of an educator and a communicator in the contemporary health care environment.
  • Students will be able to exhibit professional behaviors consistent with the standards of contemporary physical therapy practice.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate the core values for the profession in both the didactic and clinical education phases of the curriculum.

Opportunities for Graduates

Over the past 10 years, 100% of our graduates who wanted jobs acquired one in physical therapy within 6 months of graduating from the program.

Further Information

Link to Program: http://www.ohio.edu/chsp/rcs/pt/

Admission Requirements:

  • A baccalaureate degree with the following conditions:
    • A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 grading scale
    • A minimum GPA of 3.0 for the prerequisite courses (see below)
    • At least 40 hours of PT volunteer/observation
    • Three letters of recommendation from 2 different Physical Therapists and 1 college professor
  • Submission of verbal and quantitative GRE scores
  • Prerequisite courses are below. For specifics on acceptable courses, please see the Program website.

Statistics

One course

Developmental/child psychology

One course

General psychology

One course

Physics

Two semester or three quarter courses including laboratory

Chemistry

Two semester or three quarter courses including laboratory

Biology

Two semester or three quarter courses including laboratory

Human anatomy

One course including laboratory

Exercise physiology

One course

Medical terminology

One course

Up-to-date prerequisite information can be found on the Program’s website listed above. Application to the Program is through a centralized application service found at www.PTCAS.org.

International Students

This program permits full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 may be issued based on admission to this program.

Graduation Requirements

Complete at least 138 semester credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and no grade below a “C.”

Required Courses


Complete the following courses (not necessarily in this order):

Other Requirements


Successfully complete the presentation of a Professional Development Portfolio which includes co-curricular activities related to professional development, community service, and leadership development.

Students must be in residence on the Athens campus for seven semesters during the program.

Culminating Experience


The final clinical education practical(s) serves as the culminating experience for students in the program: both PT 8922 and PT 8923, or PT 8924.

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