Doctorate in Physical Therapy
- What is a Physical Therapist?
- Opportunities in Physical Therapy
- Program Overview
- Academic Learning Compact
- How to Apply to the Program
- Contacts
What is a Physical Therapist?
Students in the Physical Therapy program.
Physical Therapists (PT's) assist in the prevention and treatment of illness and injury in order to promote the optimal physical functioning of over 100,000 people every day in the United States. PT's are able to diagnose and manage movement dysfunctions, restore and promote physical function, and make a positive difference in the quality of people's lives. PT's take a personal approach to assisting others with injury or illness. They can assist patients to walk again, to relieve pain, to drive a car, to dress or bathe, or return to a leisure or sporting activity. Physical Therapy is a dynamic and rewarding profession with a well-established scientific and theoretical base.
PT's are a highly respected member of the health care team. They work with many other health care providers, such as physicians, occupational therapists, rehabilitation nurses, dentists, psychologists, social workers, and speech and language pathologists. They work with patients of all ages, races, religions, and ethnic backgrounds.
Therapists graduate with an entry-level degree and may work in a variety of areas, including orthopedics, sports, neurology, pediatrics, women's health, aquatics, cardiopulmonary, education, acute care, and geriatrics. PT's may later choose to receive specialist certification in certain areas.
Opportunities in Physical Therapy
"I am so blessed to have the knowledge and skills to help people ... I give absolutely everything I can." — Karlyn Dauplaise
According to numerous national reporting agencies, the job outlook for competent physical therapists should remain strong well into the 2lst century. Although PT's may work in hospitals or medical centers, over 70% are employed in rehab centers, sports facilities, home health settings, pediatric facilities, research institutions, nursing centers, and many other large corporations. PT's may be employees or serve as owners or partners in private practice settings.
Further information on Training, Other Qualifications, Employment, Job Outlook, Earnings, and sources of additional Information. http://www.bls.gov/oco/print/ocos080.htm
Program Overview
The mission of the University of Central Florida Program in Physical Therapy is to educate students to become competent, compassionate, and ethical practitioners in a variety of healthcare settings. The graduates will be highly dedicated professionals with excellent patient care, communication, critical thinking, patient education and advocacy, management and research skills.
The Goals of the Program are to:
- Strive as a faculty to meet the needs of the changing healthcare environment, continually improve our skills, and be good role models in all areas of practice
- Prepare physical therapists who demonstrate commitment to their profession through active participation in their communities and strong advocacy for patients
- Inspire physical therapy students throughout the educational process at UCF to be intellectually aware of their responsibilities as a growing professional in the community
- Contribute to the achievements of faculty and students and produce measurable improvements in higher learning
- foster an environment of creativity, cultural diversity, and innovation, preparing students to be active leaders in the profession
The program in Physical Therapy (DPT) is a three-year (nine consecutive semesters) professional curriculum designed to prepare entry-level therapists to practice in a variety of clinical settings. The professional curriculum is a full-time "lock-step" program with no opportunity to take courses other than those prescribed by the curriculum. The professional program includes clinical practicums and internships ranging from four weeks to twelve weeks long. Applicants need to note that one or more of the clinical practicums may be assigned at a site sufficiently removed from the Orlando area to require the student to provide transportation and housing. Admissions decisions will be made only once per academic year. Incoming students will begin the program in the summer semester.
Students who successfully complete the course of study will be granted the DPT degree in Physical Therapy, enabling the graduate to seek membership in the American Physical Therapy Association and to qualify to take the national board examination leading to state licensure as a Physical Therapist. UCF’s Program in Physical Therapy is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education.
Academic Learning Compact
Coming soon.
How to Apply to the Program
For information on program curriculum, prerequisites, and admission requirements:
http://www.graduate.ucf.edu/CurrentGradCatalog/content/degrees/ACAD_PROG_228.cfm
For application: http://www.graduate.ucf.edu/gradonlineapp/
Please note: The Documentation of Volunteer/Work Experience Form must be submitted to Graduate Admissions along with your application.
Students must also take additional hours of upper division courses in the Department of Health Professions.
Contacts
Program in Physical Therapy
University of Central Florida
HPA I, Suite 256
Orlando, FL 32816-2205
E-mail: PTInfo@mail.ucf.edu
Phone: 407-823-3470
Physical Therapy Program Director
Gerald V. Smith, P.T., Ph.D.
HPA I 256C
E-mail: gesmith@mail.ucf.edu
Phone: 407-823-3470
Pre-Physical Therapy Club Information
Phone: 407-823-3470
Frequently Asked Questions
- FAQ COMING SOON
Directions to UCF
Physical Therapy Jobs
