Physical Therapy (Doctor of Physical Therapy)

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Professional Program in Physical Therapy (DPT)
Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Therapy (Ph.D. in PT)
Post Professional Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (t-DPT)
Post Professional Physical Therapy Clinical Certificate and Residency Programs

2157 William S. White Building
(810) 762-3373
Fax: (810) 766-6668
http://www.umflint.edu/pt

Director: Allon Goldberg PT, Ph.D.
Associate Director for Professional Education:  Susan Ann Talley, PT, DPT, C/NDT
Associate Director for Post Professional Transitional DPT, Non Degree Programs, and Clinical Practice: James Creps, PT, DScPT, OCS, CMPT
Associate Director for Clinical Education:  Jamie Haines, PT, DSc, NCS
Associate Director for Research and Ph.D. Program: Cathy A. Larson, PT, Ph.D.

Business Administrator:  Ellen L. Buchholz, MPA, BBA
Administrative Specialist:  Reva Kidd; Program Coordinator: Christina Wixson; Administrative Assistant Senior: Yulelissa Munger; Secretary Senior: Beverly Ruber

Post-Professional Certificate Program Coordinators:  Geriatric, Jennifer Blackwood; Neurology, Min Huang; Orthopedic, Laura Smith; Pediatric, Carol Daly 

Faculty: Professors:  Donna Fry; Associate Professors: Allon Goldberg, Cathy Larson;  Clinical Associate Professor:  Becky Rodda;  Assistant Professors:  Bara Alsalaheen, Jennifer Blackwood, James Creps, Min Huang, Laura Smith, Amy Yorke; Clinical Assistant Professors:  Jamie Haines, Michele Lambaria, Leslie Smith, Ryan Bean; LEO Lecturer III: Carol Daly
Professor Emeritus: Richard E. Darnell; Professor Emerita: Lucinda A. Pfalzer; Associate Professor Emeritus: Paulette Cebulski; Clinical Associate Professor Emeritus: Cynthia Kincaid

Physical therapists are licensed health care professionals whose aim is to restore, maintain and promote optimal physical function, wellness and fitness in persons of all ages. This is accomplished through the evaluation and management of movement dysfunction, which may result from diseases, disorders, or injuries.

Physical therapists diagnose within the scope of physical therapy practice and manage movement dysfunction in four body systems:  the cardiopulmonary system, the musculoskeletal system, the nervous system, and the integumentary (skin) system. Examples of interventions used for each of these systems are fitness conditioning, prevention of joint deformity, pain reduction and wound care. Interventions are selected to prevent the onset and progression of impairments and may include various forms of exercise, soft tissue management, heat, cold, electricity and ultrasound.

Physical therapists work closely with and frequently refer patients to other professionals in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, school systems, home health care, industrial clinics, and public health agencies. Physical therapists are also involved in administration, physical therapist and physical therapist assistant education, research and consultation. Clinical specialization is available through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties of the American Physical Therapy Association to the experienced clinician in eight practice areas, cardiovascular and pulmonary, clinical electrophysiology, geriatrics, neurology, orthopedics, pediatrics, sports, and woman’s health. Physical therapy is an integral part of the spectrum of health care. The profession is evolving to take on a more independent role in providing health care in a direct access market. Direct access allows the patient to enter the health care system directly through the services of the physical therapist without seeking the services of other health care practitioners first.

Department Mission and Assessment

The faculty and staff in the Physical Therapy Department at the University of Michigan-Flint are student-centered and committed to excellence in undergraduate, professional, post-professional teaching and learning, scholarship, practice and service. The Department’s graduates are highly qualified doctors of physical therapy who are engaged citizens and leaders in the physical therapy profession, in accordance with standards of the American Physical Therapy Association.

The Physical Therapy Department actively participates in annual assessment of its programs to facilitate excellence in education. Faculty make curriculum and program changes based on these assessments. Students admitted to the programs offered by the Department are expected to abide by the implemented curricular changes. The Department also participates in university-wide assessment efforts for the Higher Learning Commission of North Central Accreditation. Information on assessment plans, including goals, methods and outcomes, is available at http://www.umflint.edu/assessment/SchoolofHealthProfessionsandStudies.htm.

Academic Regulations and Procedures

Students are expected to maintain satisfactory performance in their academic courses, clinical internships, and professional/ethical conduct. While enrolled in a program within the Physical Therapy Department, the student is subject to the policies and procedures of the program regarding academic standards and professional conduct. Because the student is enrolled in the School of Health Professions and Studies (SHPS), the student is also subject to the policies and procedures of SHPS. All regulations of the University of Michigan-Flint apply to students in the Physical Therapy Department of SHPS. Students should make note of these regulations, which appear in other sections of this catalog. Specific rules and regulations adopted by the faculty of the Physical Therapy Department are presented in the sections that follow.

Grading System

Refer to the Graduate Study section for the grading scale. The report of an I (incomplete) grade may be made by the instructor if the student is unable to meet the course requirements within the specified time due to extended illness or a family crisis. An I grade may be made up while a student is not enrolled and must be made up by the end of the second week of the next semester in which the student is enrolled. If, for sufficient reason, a student cannot remove the incomplete within the two-week period, an extension request form must be approved by both the course instructor and the Department Director and forwarded to the Office of the Registrar. Failure either to make up the grade within the allotted time or to have an extension approved will result in the I automatically being changed to a grade of E. A grade once reported (with the exception of I) may be changed only to correct a demonstrable error.

Credit without Grade (Pass/Fail)

The pass/fail option applies only to specific courses so designated in the course schedule by individual SHPS departments. Courses elected for credit without grade are not included in the calculation of the grade point average.

Changes in Course Elections (Drop/Add)

Changes in course elections include dropping and adding courses. It is the student’s responsibility to adhere to the published deadlines for dropping and/or adding a course. Granting withdrawal from the Physical Therapy Department programs with or without intention to return is a prerogative of the Physical Therapy Department faculty. 

Academic Standing

The faculty of the Department, acting on behalf of the University, has the responsibility of defining academic standards and reserves the right to remove from any Physical Therapy Department program any student whose academic standing, in the judgment of the faculty, is regarded as unsatisfactory. To maintain satisfactory academic standing, a student must have a minimum cumulative graduate grade point average of B (5.0 on a 9 point scale or 3.0 on a 4 point scale) for all graduate courses taken for credit and applied toward any degree or certificate offered in the Physical Therapy Department. Academic records of all students are reviewed by the administrative staff of the Physical Therapy Department at the end of each semester according to the Academic Progression Policy and Procedure. Students whose cumulative grade point average falls below a B (5.0 on a 9 point scale or 3.0 on a 4 point scale) in a given semester are reviewed by the Associate Director for the appropriate program.  A written notice of academic probationary status is given to the student. The complete policy can be found in the Student Handbook for the appropriate program.   

Appeals Procedure 

Students admitted to the Physical Therapy Department programs agree to follow established policies and procedures which govern academic performance, clinical competency, and ethical standards of the profession (APTA Code of Ethics). Specific appeals procedures are outlined in the Student Handbook for specific programs. For issues or complaints involving a faculty member, the appeal procedure should be initiated after consultation with the faculty member whenever possible. 

For issues or complaints of a discriminatory or sexually harassing nature the student should consult with the University Human Resources or the Dean of the School of Health Professions and Studies. Formal complaints must be filed with the University Human Resources. 

The Physical Therapy Department at the University of Michigan-Flint offers the professional Doctor of Physical Therapy degree (DPT), the Post-Professional Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy degree (t-DPT) and the Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Therapy degree (Ph.D.).  The Post-Professional Clinical Certificate and Residency programs are offered in four areas of clinical specialization including geriatrics, neurology, orthopedics, and pediatrics.

English Proficiency Requirements for all Physical Therapy Programs

For applicants who’s native language is not English and/or who received their physical therapy degrees in a country other than the United States, Canada (English-speaking provinces), Australia or the United Kingdom, evidence of English proficiency must be provided through one of the methods listed below in item 1.  This requirement applies even to those who are currently U.S. citizens or permanent residents and regardless of how long they have resided or been educated in the U.S.*

1. Take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
     test, the Michigan English Language  Assessment Battery (MELAB) or
     Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE). Scores must be no more than two (2) years old.  

The table below indicates the minimum acceptable scores for admission, as well as the scores and score ranges for which a supplemental English writing course will be required upon admission to the program:

All candidates who’s native language is not English must provide the items below as appropriate.

2.   Provide an official transcript showing a degree earned at an accredited U.S., Canadian (English-speaking), Australian,
      or U.K. college or university OR successful completion (‘C’ or higher) of ENG 111 or ENG 112 or its equivalent.

3.   Provide a copy of your FCCPT Comprehensive Credential Evaluation Certificate.

*U.S. citizens and permanent residents who wish to have this requirement waived may make a case to the Associate Director of the appropriate Physical Therapy Department program.  The PT Director, in turn, must make the case to the Dean of Graduate Programs.  Sufficient evidence of the requisite English proficiency must be provided.

The Professional DPT program prepares graduates to be licensed practitioners within the scope of practice defined in the public health code in state law. Graduates are prepared to assume roles consistent with various physical therapy practice patterns throughout the United States, and are required to be critical thinkers and lifelong learners. 

Physical therapy education is built on a solid foundation in the basic sciences of biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, physiology, pathology and kinesiology. Study of humanities and behavioral sciences provides an important preparation for the interpersonal relationships that the physical therapist must successfully establish with patients and their family members, health care professionals, and community healthcare agencies.

The DPT program operates under a guiding philosophy that entry-level physical therapists should be competent to perform patient/client management of persons from infancy through elder years. This lifespan approach enables program graduates to value and respect diversity of gender, race, culture and disability, regardless of age. Graduates are self -directed learners who are critical thinkers, recognizing the value of and using scientific method to research existing literature to make sound clinical judgments. Graduates understand the scope of physical therapy practice, recognizing when a patient needs medical management in substitution for or in addition to physical therapy.

The PT faculty mentor students into the profession using a collegial model which incorporates mutual respect and understanding between the faculty, staff and physical therapy students as they proceed through the program. The collegial model encourages faculty and students to form close, effective working relationships that enhance student learning. The Physical Therapy Department faculty members have a consistent record of scholarly and service activity at the state, regional and national levels of the profession and therefore mentor students in leadership and service to the profession and community.

Accreditation

The Professional DPT Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association, 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: www.capteonline.org.  

Admission to the DPT Program

Admission to the program is highly competitive, and students are admitted in the Fall semester only. Positions in the class are assigned to those candidates ranking highest among the group eligible for consideration. The number of available spaces in the class is currently 60, which may include part-time positions. Admission to the professional DPT Program is the prerogative of the faculty of the program. Applicants are reminded that the supplemental application and reference forms are data sources that provide both quantitative and qualitative data. The faculty interprets these sources in making the final admissions decisions. Up-to-date admissions requirements and application process information is available on the website at www.umflint.edu/graduateprograms/physical-therapy-entry-level-dpt.

To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the following requirements and qualifications by the time they are admitted:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Overall 3.0 GPA or higher in the undergraduate degree
• Overall 3.0 GPA in prerequisite courses* from an accredited institution with an equivalent grade of ‘C’ or better in each course:
  • 8 credits Biology with at least two labs (no Botany)
  • 8 credits Chemistry with at least two labs
  • 8 credits Physics with at least two labs
  • 4 credits Human Anatomy with lab
  • 4 credits Human Physiology with lab (if a 5-6 credit combination Anatomy and Physiology class is taken, then course content needs review)
  • 3 credits Exercise Physiology with lab
  • 3 credits Statistics
  • 3 credits College Algebra and Trigonometry or Pre-calculus
  • 6 credits Psychology (general and developmental)
  • 1 credit Medical Terminology (must be a letter-graded course)
• Overall 2.75 GPA in science prerequisites 
• Completion of the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) general test (must be completed before application will be considered for admission) with a minimum test score of 146 Verbal and 141 Quantitative
• Current CPR (Adult, Child, and Infant) and First Aid Certification
• 60 or more hours observing Physical Therapists in two or more different types of clinical settings required; 125 or more hours in four or more settings recommended

*Prerequisite courses should be completed within 7 years of applying to the program; prerequisite courses taken more than 7 years prior will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

The most competitive applicants demonstrate knowledge of the depth and breadth of the profession as well as consistent academic performance, maturity and values associated with health care professions.

Competitive scores on the GRE are in the range of 146 Verbal and 141 Quantitative. 

Application Process

To be considered for admission, an applicant must submit a completed application though the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). Instructions for completing the application may be found at the PTCAS website (http://www.ptcas.org) or at the Office of Graduate Programs Website (http://www.umflint.edu/graduateprograms/physical-therapy-entry-level-dpt).

International applicants must submit additional documentation. For further information please refer to the Graduate Study portion of the catalog.

Application Deadlines

Students are admitted for the Fall semester only. Application deadlines are posted on the admissions portal through the PTCAS website.

Costs

Students should be aware that they will be required to purchase clinical attire, evaluation tools to be used in the classroom or clinical practice and professional textbooks. Clinical Education experiences may require students to leave the Flint area. All students are responsible for providing their own transportation to all clinical sites, housing, and clinical attire. Students are responsible for costs related to keeping all required health documents updated, including special tests required by clinical sites (drug screen, fingerprinting, etc). Current estimates of costs are available to applicants through the Physical Therapy Department. Tuition and fees are subject to change without notice.

DPT Curriculum

The curriculum of the professional Doctor of Physical Therapy Program provides students with multiple opportunities to enhance their learning. A variety of teaching formats are used, including but not limited to didactic teaching, hands-on laboratory experiences, recitation sessions, and student group projects and presentations. A modular course curriculum is used to ensure consistent organizational structure of the curriculum. Students are expected to adequately expose head, trunk and extremities in laboratory sessions with multiple student partners (male/female) in order to become familiar with surface anatomy and to develop handling skills necessary for the practice of physical therapy (religious and cultural standards regarding exposure of the body are honored when requested by students). Students are also responsible for the provision and appropriate utilization of laboratory attire and for conducting themselves in a professional manner. Faculty members of the Physical Therapy Department are responsible for review, revision and implementation of curriculum. Students admitted to the program are expected to abide by faculty decisions regarding revisions of curriculum.

Clinical education is an important aspect of the program. Initial exposure to clinical practice occurs in the Fall and Winter semesters of Year 1 and Fall semester of Year 2.  Following the satisfactory completion of all didactic courses, students engage in three ten-week, full-time clinical internships Winter Year 3. Students must attend an acute care setting, general outpatient setting, and area of interest for the three final full-time internships.  This full-time clinical experience provides students an opportunity to engage in supervised work and study in selected clinical facilities. Students may be assigned to hospitals or other institutions in Flint, other cities in Michigan, or other states. Approximately 150 facilities/agencies at nearly 400 different sites participate in the clinical education program. Students are responsible for arranging transportation and housing for these clinical education experiences. Projected costs for physical therapy students are available from the Physical Therapy Department. 

Part-Time Professional DPT Program

The University of Michigan-Flint offers a part-time course of study that, when completed, awards the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), the professional degree for professional practice. The part-time program is specifically designed to accommodate those students who are unable to or otherwise choose not to attend the University on a full-time basis. Students are admitted in the fall semester only. Positions in classes are assigned to those candidates ranking highest among the group eligible for consideration. The number of available part-time spaces in each class is limited. The sequence of courses in the part-time program is predetermined. Since courses are scheduled according to many constraints in the overall program sequence, students in the part-time track may not elect and schedule courses to meet their own personal, employment or other needs. The part-time program involves a reduced credit load per semester, but not necessarily a limited number of days per week on campus. 

Students accepted to the part-time program:

• Remain in part-time status (as defined by the University) for at least two years
• Follow a predetermined part-time curriculum plan
• Complete the professional DPT program within a 5 year period
• Enroll full-time in Year 3 

Program Mission and Curriculum

The PhD in Physical Therapy (PT) program is designed to address the demand for qualified faculty in physical therapy programs in the USA and to create academic leaders in Physical Therapy education. This minimum of 2.5 year, full-time program is designed for the professional DPT student whose long-term career aspirations are to teach and do research. The Ph.D. in Physical Therapy (Ph.D. in PT) in physical therapy program meets these needs by enhancing knowledge in important areas such as: evidence-based practice in an area of advanced practice and clinical specialization, research, and academic leadership.

After successful completion of the second year in the DPT program, a qualified DPT student may apply for admission into the Ph.D. degree. Admitted students begin additional Ph.D. in PT requirements upon completion of the DPT degree. A minimum of 50 additional credits beyond the DPT/tDPT is required for the Ph.D. in PT.  The Ph.D. in PT program has four distinct, yet overlapping foci (curricular elements) that are essential characteristics for the next generation of leaders in physical therapist education:

• Specialization-Advanced Practice (Concentration of 18 credits)
• Engagement and Transformational Leadership (6 credits)
• Scholarly Activity/Research (10 credits)
• Ph.D. Seminar (2credits or 2 credit elective/independent study) and Dissertation Research (pre-Candidacy (minimum of 3 credits) and Candidacy (minimum of 11 credits) (total of 16 credits)

These curricular elements are woven throughout the entire Ph.D. in PT program, especially in the core and concentration courses required of all students. Scholarly practitioners blend theory and practice. This viewpoint is based upon the idea that theory and practice are linked and that research knowledge should be rooted within the context of real life problems faced by practicing therapists. Integrating theory and practice allows graduates to understand and implement the best evidence-based approaches needed to address current issues in physical therapy practice, education and research. The core courses are designed to provide students with a global perspective of physical therapy education, scholarship, leadership, and engagement in contemporary academia and to prepare them for higher-level courses in the specialization/concentration area and scholarly activity/research. Of the 50 credits, 18 are based on specialization/concentration coursework (beyond DPT), 6 on education leadership and engagement, 10 on research design and statistics, and 16 on research. Coursework is designed in two parallel tracks of specialization/advanced practice and research, with an additional required core in teaching, academic leadership and engagement rounding out the required curriculum. The 18 credits of advanced practice tracks provide students with expertise in an area of clinical specialization/advanced practice and already are offered in the four PTD residency/certificate programs.

For more information about the University of Michigan-Flint Ph.D. in PT program, please visit our website:  http://www.umflint.edu/pt/phd-physical-therapy-program

Admission

DPT students interested in being considered for the Ph.D. in PT program apply to the PhD program upon successful completion of the second year of the Professional DPT program. t-DPT students apply to the Ph.D. in PT when they have completed 2/3 of their individualized t-DPT learning plan.  Students enrolled in the certificate of residency programs may apply at any time for aFall admission to the Ph.D. in PT program.  Evaluation of applicants for the Ph.D. in PT program is based on the following criteria:

1. Admission to the UM-Flint DPT, t-DPT or certificate/residency programs (and completion of the DPT or t-DPT prior to beginning the Ph.D. in PT).
2. A minimum cumulative grade point of 5.0 on a 9.0 scale (B) (or 3.0 on a 4.0 scale) in the DPT or t-DPT degree program.
3. Completion of the pre-requisite courses listed below:

• PTP 662 - Critical Inquiry I
• PTP 663 - Critical Inquiry II
• PTP 681 - Teaching, Learning & Health Education
• PTP 861 - Literature Analysis in Evidence-Based Practice
• PTP 602/603 - Independent Research (optional)

Note: meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee entrance into the program. Under special circumstances, the department of graduate admissions committee may choose to waive any of the above requirements.

Application Process

Prior to submitting your application:

It is strongly suggested that prospective students meet with the Associate Director of the Ph.D. program in order to assist in career and professional development. Prospective students must meet with the coordinator of the Specialization/Advanced Practice area of interest. It is also required that prospective students meet with their potential Doctoral Committee Chair.  Please contact the Physical Therapy Department to assist in scheduling these meetings.

Application Process:  To be considered for admission, submit the following to the Office of Graduate Programs, 251 Thompson Library or online at http://www.umflint.edu/graduateprograms/apply

1.   Application for Degree or Change of Program

2.  A clearly defined Statement of Purpose that includes the following:

a.      Interest in an academic and/or research career.

b.      The specific area of Specialization/Advanced Practice (orthopedics, neurology, pediatrics or geriatrics)
          that the student will focus on while completing the Ph.D. in PT degree program.

c.      Proposed area/topic(s) of scholarly inquiry.

d.      The Ph.D. faculty member who has agreed to serve as advisor and Ph.D. Committee Chair.

e.      Specify how research interests align with the proposed Doctoral Chair’s research activities and interests.

3.  Two letters of reference are required. It is strongly suggested that prospective students include individuals who are able
      to comment on  the student’s academic and clinical abilities, personal qualities, and potential teaching,
      research/scholarship, and service capabilities.

            Please include:

a.      One letter from a UM-Flint DPT, t-DPT, or certificate/residency faculty member. However, if someone
         other than a UM-Flint faculty member can more accurately comment on the student’s potential, please
         discuss this with the Associate Director for the Ph.D. in PT program before submitting.

b.      One letter from a faculty member with specific expertise in the applicant’s area of Specialization/Advanced
         Practice while in the Ph.D. in PT program.

4.  The completed Ph.D. Committee Chair Acceptance form signed by the Ph.D. faculty member who has agreed to serve
     as the Doctoral Committee Chair.

5.  Please attach a sample of a recent technical/scientific paper or report. If there are questions regarding this paper/report,
     please discuss this with the Associate Director for the Ph.D. in PT program before submitting.

Application Deadlines

Students are admitted for the fall semester only.  

Application deadlines: October 15 (early admission);  February 15 (regular admission)

The t-DPT program is an online post-professional part-time or full-time program that allows the licensed or registered physical therapist to obtain the clinical doctorate (DPT) by demonstrating knowledge commensurate with that of current professional (professional, entry-level) DPT program outcomes and to do so in a way that takes into full account the learner’s knowledge, skills, behaviors and experience.  For those students interested in developing clinical expertise in a specific area of practice, there is the option of taking core courses which concentrate in a chosen area of specialization. The concentration curriculum is designed to enable students to succeed in select American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists (ABPTS) areas of board certification as clinical specialists in Geriatric, Neurologic, Orthopedic or Pediatric physical therapy and to achieve the related objectives in the descriptions of specialty practice. 

Program Mission

The Post-Professional Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (t-DPT) Program at the University of Michigan-Flint (UM-F) prepares licensed physical therapists to assume the roles for contemporary, evidence based physical therapy practice consistent with various practice patterns throughout Michigan and the United States as described by the American Physical Therapy Association Vision 2020 statement: “Physical therapists who are doctors of physical therapy, recognized by consumers and other health care professionals as the practitioners of choice to whom consumers have direct access for the diagnosis of, interventions for, and prevention of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities related to movement, function, and health.”

Graduates of the program are prepared to adapt to future practice patterns and are required to be critical thinkers and lifelong learners including but not limited to the use of current technology in the learning process. They are critical thinkers, recognizing the value of and using the scientific method and research literature to make sound clinical judgments. They understand the scope of physical therapy practice, recognizing when a patient needs medical management in substitution for or in addition to physical therapy. The t-DPT program operates under a guiding philosophy that practicing physical therapists should be competent to perform patient/client management of persons from infancy through the elder years. This lifespan approach enables graduates of the program to value and respect diversity of gender, race, culture and disability, regardless of age. Graduates are prepared for discharging their duties and responsibilities to the recipients of their services in a manner which promotes optimal health and function for the recipients, and which enhances the profession of physical therapy, the public health and welfare of the citizens of Michigan, the United States and the world, and the graduates’ own continuing personal and professional growth. The complete Mission Statement may be found online (www.umflint.edu/departments/pt/mission). 

Accreditation

The post-professional t-DPT program at the University of Michigan-Flint is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504, phone (800) 621-7440/ (312) 263-0456. 

Curriculum

The curriculum of the Post-Professional Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is congruent with the patient/client management model in the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice and the consensus-based educational outcomes and curricular content for professional education in A Normative Model of Physical Therapist Professional Education: Version 2000. The curriculum provides students with multiple opportunities to enhance their learning. A variety of teaching formats are used, including but not limited to didactic teaching, discussions, presentations, group projects and case reports. A modular course curriculum is used, supplemented by an online, self-instructional Blackboard course delivery visual system, extensive notes and background materials, and the opportunity to pursue independent studies in physical therapy. The courses/modules are taught in courses ranging from 10-14 week semesters.  All degree requirements must be completed within three years from the time of initial acceptance. Extensions are granted on a case by case basis.

The Physical Therapy Department faculty mentor students using a collegial model which incorporates mutual respect and understanding between the faculty, staff, and physical therapy students as they proceed through the program. The collegial model and small class size encourage faculty and students to form close, effective working relationships that enhance student learning. The faculty has a consistent record of scholarly and service activity at the state, regional and national levels of the profession and therefore mentors students in leadership and service to the profession and community. The faculty are responsible for review, revision and implementation of curriculum. Students admitted to the program are expected to abide by faculty decisions regarding revisions of curriculum.  

Admission to the t-DPT Program

Students are admitted each semester on a rolling basis. Positions in the class are assigned to those candidates ranking highest among the group eligible for consideration. The number of available spaces in the class is currently 25. Admission to the post-professional t-DPT Program is the prerogative of the Physical Therapy Department faculty.  Applicants are reminded that the reference forms are data sources that provide qualitative information about the applicant. The faculty utilizes these sources of information in the final admissions decisions. 

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the following requirements and qualifications by the time they are admitted:

·        Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in physical therapy from an accredited institution in the United States,
         or its equivalent in another country

·        U.S. Physical therapy license or registration in the home country

·        Overall 3.0 GPA or higher (on a 4.0 scale) in the physical therapy degree

·        Current CPR certification (or equivalent) [if applying to a clinical specialization]

Application Process

To be considered for admission, an applicant must submit the following by the application deadline to the Office of Graduate Programs, 251 Thompson Library, before the admissions committee will evaluate the applicant’s file: 

·        Application for Graduate Admission (apply online or with a paper application)

·        Application fee (non-refundable) payable to the University of Michigan-Flint

·        Copy of current U.S. Physical Therapy license or registration in home country (if lapsed,
         a copy of most recent license or registration; if seeking a clinical specialization, the license
         or registration must be current) 

·        Official transcripts from the institution where the baccalaureate degree was earned and from the institution where
          the Physical Therapy degree was earned (if different from the college of the baccalaureate degree)

·        Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can evaluate the applicant’s scholarly and/or
          professional ability

·        Copy of Educational Credential Review if educated outside the United States; Foreign Credentialing Commission
          on Physical Therapy (FCCPT) recommended for those licensed in the U.S. or Canada; all others may use an
          appropriate service such as FCCPT, Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE), or
          World Education Services (WES) 

·        Copy of current CPR card (or equivalent)

·        Proof of English proficiency as required (See table above)

An interview (by telephone or electronically) with a PT faculty member may be scheduled after review of the applicant’s materials.

Application Deadlines

Students are admitted to the t-DPT program each semester on a rolling basis. To be considered for admission, an applicant must submit all application materials to the Office of Graduate Programs on or before the application deadline.  Deadlines are as follows: 

 International Students

Costs

Students should be aware that they will be required to purchase professional textbooks. Current estimates of costs students can anticipate are available to applicants through the Cashier’s Office. Tuition and fees are subject to change without notice.

The online, part-time, Clinical Certificate and Residency programs meets the needs of licensed U.S. and Canadian practicing physical therapists by enhancing knowledge in important areas of advanced practice including clinical specialization using an evidence-based practice approach and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) descriptions of specialty practice. The four-certificate curriculum is designed to enable students to succeed in select ABPTS areas of board certification as clinical specialists in  Geriatric, Neurologic, Orthopedic or Pediatric physical therapy and to achieve the related objectives in the descriptions of specialty practice as defined by the APTA. 

More information about ABPTS specialist certification and the national board examination is available at: www.abpts.org/home.aspx. 

More information about APTA Credentialed Residency programs may be found at: www.apta.org/ResidencyFellowship/. 

Students are encouraged to be lifelong learners including but not limited to the use of current technology in the learning process.

Certificate and Residency Mission

The Physical Therapy Clinical Certificate and Residency programs at the University of Michigan-Flint (UM-F) prepare graduates to assume the roles required for contemporary, evidence-based advanced practice in an area of specialty practice. The Clinical Certificate program provides preparation and resources for licensed physical therapists seeking to obtain specialist certification by passing the ABPTS national board examination. 

Online Clinical Certificate and Residency Curriculum

The Clinical Certificate and Residency programs are focused on advanced, specialty practice in four practice specialties:  Orthopedics, Neurology, Pediatrics, and Geriatrics.  The Clinical Physical Therapy Certificate program consists of a five-course, 18-credit sequence of didactic coursework, and an optional sixth 6-credit advanced practicum course for the residency component.  Generally, doctoral-prepared licensed physical therapists can complete the online, didactic requirements of the five courses with the additional advanced practicum course in 18 to 24 months (Track A) or 12 to 15 months (Track B).  The program builds on the contribution experience plays in developing physical therapy leaders and presents courses with immediate applicability to real world practice.

The curriculum is a planned program of post-professional didactic and clinical education, designed to advance significantly the student’s preparation as a provider of patient care services in a defined area of specialty practice. The program combines the theoretical basis of specialty practice and scientific inquiry with the opportunity for mentoring with an ABPTS clinical specialist. The curriculum provides students with multiple opportunities to enhance their learning. A variety of teaching formats are used, including but not limited to didactic teaching, discussions, group projects, presentations, and case reports. A modular course curriculum is used, supplemented by a self-instructional audio-visual system, extensive notes and background materials such as the APTA Guide to Physical Therapist Practice, 2nd edition, 2001, and the opportunity to pursue independent studies in physical therapy. The courses/modules are often taught in sections of less than 15-week semesters such as 10 weeks. 

Residency

Following the satisfactory completion of all five didactic courses, students may choose to take the Advanced Practicum (6 credits). This course is required to attain the one-on-one mentored experience required for a Residency in one the four areas of specialty practice: Geriatric, Neurologic, Orthopedic or Pediatric physical therapy. This clinical experience provides students an opportunity to engage in focused clinical mentoring with an ABPTS clinical specialist. The Advanced Practicum has Tracks A and B. 

Track A (non-traditional)
The student who chooses Track A is required to be available for the mentored experience. This enables the student “Resident” to remain at the current worksite while engaged in either a three-month, four hour/week one-on-one mentored experience or a six-month, two hour/week one-on-one mentored experience.  This may include traveling to site outside of work hours.

Track B (traditional)
The student who chooses Track B goes to a Practicum site for three months; some practicum sites are in distant cities or in other states. Students must provide their own transportation for travel to the Advanced Practicum. The student may be required to make his/her own arrangements for housing, as most facilities are no longer able to provide housing arrangements. A physical examination, immunizations, TB test and health insurance, and will be required of students at their own expense if required by the Advanced Practicum site. A leave of absence may be necessary from full time employment during the Advanced Practicum, due to the full-time residency demands made by the nature and scheduling of the program. 

Accreditation

The part-time, online Clinical Certificate program at the University of Michigan-Flint is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504, Phone (800) 621-7440/ (312) 263-0456. 

Admission to the Clinical Certificate/Residency Program

Students are admitted in the Fall semester only in a cohort class. Positions in the class are assigned to those candidates ranking highest among the group eligible for consideration. The number of available spaces in the cohort class for each of the four certificates is currently 15 students. Admission to the Clinical Certificate and Residency is the prerogative of the faculty of the Physical Therapy Department. Applicants are reminded that the supplemental application and reference forms are data sources that provide quantitative information about the applicant. The faculty utilizes these sources of information in the final admissions decisions. 

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the following requirements and qualifications by the time they are admitted: 

·        Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from an accredited institution or current enrollment in the t-DPT program
         at UM-Flint

·        Current physical therapy license in the United States or Canada

·        Overall 3.0 GPA or higher (based on a 4.0 scale) in the physical therapy degree

·        Current CPR certification 

Application Process

To be considered for admission, an applicant must submit the following by the application deadline to the Office of Graduate Programs, 251 Thompson Library, before the admissions committee will evaluate the applicant’s file:

·        Application for Graduate Admission (apply online or with a paper application)

·        Application fee (non-refundable) payable to the University of Michigan-Flint

·        Supplemental application form

·        Official transcripts from the institution where the baccalaureate degree was earned and from the institution
         where the Physical Therapy degree was earned (if different from the college of the baccalaureate degree)

·        Two letters of recommendation:  We strongly suggest that you include individuals who are able to comment
         on your academic and clinical abilities, such as a former supervisor or instructor from an accredited physical
         therapy program and/or a physician you have worked with)

·        Statement of Purpose:  Attach or submit separately a career statement.  It should be typed and double-spaced. 
         Please use the following questions, as they relate to your clinical/academic circumstances, to assist in
         the preparation of the career statement:

1.     What are your professional goals or objectives related to advanced practice?

2.     How do you plan to accomplish these goals?

3.     How will the Certificate and credentialed APTA residency program at UM-Flint facilitate the accomplishment
        of your professional goals in advanced practice?

4.     How will you contribute to the physical therapy profession related to your area of advanced practice?

·        Copy of current Physical Therapy license issued in the United States or Canada

·        Copy of current CPR card

·        International students must submit additional documentation

An interview (by telephone, electronically or in person) with a PT faculty member may be scheduled after review of the applicant’s materials. 

Application Deadline

The Clinical Physical Therapy Certificate program admits in the Fall semester only.  To be considered for admission, an applicant must submit all application materials to the Office of Graduate Programs on or before the application deadline of May 1. 

The Physical Therapy Residency Program admits once per year.  To be considered for admission, an applicant must submit all application materials to:

Orthopedic, Neurologic and Pediatric Residency:  RF-PTCAS, March 1
Geriatric Residency:  Office of Graduate Programs, March 1

Costs

Students should be aware that they will be required to purchase professional textbooks, and if enrolled in the Advanced Practicum course, proof of current basic CPR. Projected costs for physical therapy students are available from the Cashier’s Office. Tuition and fees are subject to change without notice. 

Clinical Certificate/Residency Curriculum

To earn a certificate, students must complete all of the online courses within one of four clinical specializations (18 credits). The didactic curriculum includes the following essential elements of the descriptions of specialty practice identified by the ABPTS: state-of-the-art foundational knowledge of anatomy/kinesiology, histology, and pathology; patient client-management model elements of examination, diagnosis, prognosis and plan of care including procedural interventions and patient education; health care system issues and case studies.

Students must complete all five didactic courses in sequence (18 credits) with an elective sixth course, Advanced Practicum (residency). Students who elect to obtain the Residency must meet this requirement for one-on-one mentored clinical experience. All requirements must be completed within three years from the time of initial acceptance. In extreme circumstances, students may petition for a leave of absence from the program and be allowed to continue later on a space available basis. (An example of extreme circumstances would be a serious medical problem.) Degree candidates must attain an overall grade point average of 5.0 (B) on a 9 point scale (or 3.0 on a 4 point scale) or higher and receive no course grade below “C”.  

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