May 30, 2010
Physical therapists are in huge demand around the world. They provide valuable patient care while rehabilitating injured people so that they may live long lives while contributing to society. Some folks opt to take the minimum training in order to allow them to practice. For others that seek something a bit more, something that will open many more doors of opportunity, a Doctorate degree is just the right answer.
Utica College has put together a fantastic program that helps folks transition into this degree. Here is what Utica has to offer:
With a highly acclaimed program that features nationally recognized faculty, personal attention, and state-of-the-art clinical facilities on campus, UC’s Doctor of Physical Therapy degree prepares you for substantial professional opportunities, including positions at major medical centers throughout the United States.
The doctor of physical therapy degree (DPT) is a graduate degree, although qualified students may apply for guaranteed admission pending the completion of their bachelor’s degree. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for licensure examination in the state of their choice. The program is registered by the New York State Education Department and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.
The Utica College physical therapy department has many distinctive strengths. The curriculum emphasizes problem-based learning, a process that develops students’ ability to learn while increasing their store of knowledge. In problem-based learning, students work in small groups on carefully chosen case studies. Faculty members guide and challenge students as they investigate problems and discover how to solve them. This process is important because it trains students to think for themselves, a trait essential for all successful physical therapists.
The direct freshman admission program guarantees admission to the professional program. Those students can be certain that they will not have to compete again to secure their place in the graduate program. Other students are also welcome to apply at any point in their undergraduate career or after receiving their bachelor’s degree. The physical therapy department is committed to recruiting a diverse student body.
The department laboratories have state-of-the-art research equipment. Utica College has a motion analysis laboratory with Peak Performance and Noraxon EMG telemetry systems to examine human movement. In addition, physical therapy students have access to the excellent facilities of several local clinical institutions. During their course of study, students go weekly to the Sitrin Medical Rehabilitation Center where they get hands-on experience with patients and clients. Students also work with patients at the St. Elizabeth Hospital’s rehabilitation department as a routine part of their program.
The doctorate of physical therapy is a graduate degree. Students may apply to the physical therapy DPT program at various points in their academic careers. The department will guarantee a place in the program to 36 students. These students take three or four years to finish the entry requirements and then spend three years in graduate study. They receive a B.S. at the end of their fourth year and the DPT at the end of their sixth year of study. If there is space in the program, transfers from within Utica College or from other institutions may apply for one of these guaranteed spots.
Students with a bachelor’s degree can apply directly to the physical therapy department. Before entering the three-year DPT program, they must have successfully completed all entry requirements.
Get on the road today by requesting free information about this outstanding program.
