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Quality Programming
Since its beginnings in 1955, Ohio State’s Physical Therapy Division has maintained a solid track record of excellence in preparing students for careers in Physical Therapy. Its success is due in large part to the ability and willingness of its leaders to accommodate and develop programming that keeps pace with the demands of the profession, most recently in growing the curriculum from an undergraduate to a graduate program.
Another indication of the division’s success is a growth in the level of student interest. Last year, 120 students applied for admission to the program, a number three times greater than the available number of seats in the class. That show of interest has allowed us to choose the best and the brightest from among the applicant pool. As a result, our entering students have an average grade point average that far exceeds the requirement set by the University’s Graduate School.
A Strong Tradition
In the fall of 2005, Ohio State’s Physical Therapy Division celebrated its 50th anniversary, commemorating a legacy of excellence in teaching and service.
From a one-year certificate program initiated in 1955 to the soon to be implemented Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Ohio State’s PT program has more than doubled the number of courses and clinical hours required for graduation, while enhancing student opportunities for research, as well as professional development through such programs as community service and volunteer activities.
A Promising Future
The future of the physical therapy profession is bright, as the need for professionals to support the nation’s growing health care needs continues to grow at a rate that is surpassing many other occupations (U.S. Bureau of Statistics – cite).
Such demand will require professionals who are not only skilled to deliver quality service but who are capable of assuming leadership roles as well as educating future leaders in the profession.
Ohio State’s new Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) has been designed to meet that challenge. Strengthening the curriculum of the master’s degree program, the new DPT requires 13 consecutive quarters, including 21 post-MPT credits in classroom and clinical coursework, to better prepare our students for the challenges they will face in an ever-demanding profession.
Giving Back
Each year, the PT program loses some of its best applicants to programs that have much better facilities, learning resources and support programs, despite the fact that their academic programs may be substantially inferior to Ohio State’s.
If you are an Ohio State alum interested in the continued success of the PT program, there are many ways you can show your support and help future graduates to become contributing members of the profession. For access to a list of active funds, visit the Giving Opportunties section of this web site. for more information about giving in general, contact Julie Conry at (614) 366-0229. e-mail conry.1@osu.edu.
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