Physical Therapy in Glendale

Fast Facts

Degree

Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.)

General Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.9 science, 3.0 overall on a 4.0 scale
• Successful completion of prerequisute courses
• GRE General Test scores

Admissions Acceptance and Matriculation Rates (2012)

• 14% (113/821) of applicants were accepted
• 6% (51/821) of applicants were matriculated into the PT Program

Length of Program

36 months, full-time

Class Size

50

2012 Class Profiles (Class of 2015)

• Female:  39%
• Male:  61%
• Average age:  25
• Average Overall GPA:  3.42
• Class Size:  51
• Top Home States:  Arizona (27%), Pacific Northwest, California, Illinois 

Clinical Education Placements

• Placements for clinical experiences are available in diverse practice environments in a variety of clinical settings.
• Clinical education sites are located in urban, suburban, and rural areas within and outside of Arizona.
• Students must be prepared to travel to any area where clinical placements are available.

Career Opportunities

Evaluation and treatment, screening, education, referral, consultation, wellness promotion and prevention

US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Job outlook, 2010-2020, for physical therapists is growing at a much faster rate than average (39% rate).
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-2013 Edition, Physical Therapists, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/print/physical-therapists.htm (accessed 12/27/2013)

Mean Salary May 2011 National Occupational Employment & Wage Estimates US Bureau of Labor Statistics

$79,830 (mean hourly wage $38.38)
May 2011 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm (accessed 12/27/2013)

Admission Requirements

1. Completion of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
2. Minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 and a minimum science GPA of 2.90 on a 4.00 scale
3. Completion of prerequisite courses totaling 44 semester/64 quarter credits as listed below from a regionally accredited college or university
   • Grades of C or better (grades of C- are NOT acceptable)
4. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test scores using the Midwestern University institution code of 7600
   • The test must have been taken no more than five years prior to the planned enrollment year. 
   • For more information about the GRE, contact Educational Testing Services (ETS) at 800/GRE-CALL or visit www.gre.org
5. Current certification by the American Heart Association in Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health Care Providers (enrolled PT students must also maintain CPR certification at the BLS level)
6. Demonstration of a people or service orientation through community service or extracurricular activities
7. Motivation for and commitment to health care as demonstrated by previous work, volunteer work, or other life experiences
8. Oral and written communication skills necessary to interact with patients and colleagues
9. Commitment to abide by the Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy
10. Passage of the Midwestern University criminal background check
11. Provision of additional documentation needed to meet specific Program requirements
12. It is highly recommended that applicants complete a minimum of 60 hours of observation in a physical therapy department. Ten hours must be in acute care and the remaining 50 hours must be distributed in at least two other practice environments that may include home health, outpatient/orthopedic and sports, rehabilitation, skilled nursing, or pediatrics

Prerequisite Courses

Application Deadline

The Physical Therapy Program uses a rolling admissions process.  All applicants are encouraged to submit their applications through the Centralized Application Service for Physical Therapy Schools (PTCAS) by the deadline date of December 15th.

Additional Application Information

Program Description

The Physical Therapy Program at Midwestern University, Glendale campus, is a full-time continuous, 36 month entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum that is open on a competitive admissions basis to applicants holding bachelor's degrees in any field but who have not completed an accredited physical therapy program.

Each graduate, from Midwestern University Physical Therapy Program, Glendale campus, will be instructed to provide patient care, display the core knowledge to discuss prevention, onset, and impairments, address functional limitations and a plan of care based upon goals and expected outcomes.

The Physical Therapy Program at Midwestern University's Glendale Campus provides its students with the broad based professional education necessary for each physical therapy graduate to become a generalist clinician. Therefore, competency is required in each of the physical therapy courses. Each of the goals and all of the expected outcomes are related to the development of practice skills by graduates. Expected outcomes related to these practice skills include:

• Development of the basic clinical problem solving skills of examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention, assessment/reassessment and discharge planning
• Use of evidence-based practice skills
• Practice in a culturally sensitive manner with clients of all different ages
• Practice collaboratively with other members of the health care community
• Assumption of leadership positions in the healthcare delivery system
• Development of an orientation toward prevention, health, fitness and wellness
• Development of skills to establish programs that address prevention of disease, injuries, and disabilities
• Participate in community and professional service
• Participate in clinical teaching and research

Planned Program Improvements

The Physical Therapy Program will use the Centralized Application Service for Physical Therapy Schools ( PTCAS ) for the admissions cycle.

Program Objectives

Upon completion of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, graduates will be expected to:

1. Become practitioners with the educational and clinical foundation needed to provide physical therapy services in all areas of practice and all physical therapy settings
2. Apply critical thinking skills for independent judgment, clinical problem solving, leadership, and autonomous practice
3. Demonstrate dedication to healthcare and community service by identifying and contributing effective solutions to the major emergent health issues of society and apply skills to meet other community needs
4. Develop proficiency in teaching and scholarship through didactic and clinical education
5. Exhibit sensitivity to cultural and social diversity
6. Assume leadership positions in the healthcare delivery system, participate in local, state, and national professional organizations, and provide service to local communities
7. Sustain continued professional development through lifelong learning activities
8. Demonstrate professionalism during interactions with others
9. Address prevention, wellness, and health promotion needs of individuals, groups, and communities in primary, secondary, and tertiary settings
10. Enhance the breadth and depth of clinical education of future physical therapy students

Objectives are accomplished through:

1. A curriculum model based on a conceptual framework of educational theory and practice with a spiraled approach in curricular design
2. Correlation of events and problems that is experienced sequentially within the didactic curriculum and later through clinical experiences
3. A strong content foundation in the physical, clinical, and behavioral sciences
4. Critically applying scientific research and other forms of best evidence to improve practice and contribute to the body of knowledge
5. Educational opportunities and activities that will enhance physical therapy services to underserved communities
6. An educational environment that will emphasize leadership skills, professional and community service
7. Acquiring information through clinical or basic science research
8. Peer assessments, feedback and reflective communication skills
9. A sequence of simulated and actual clinical experiences across the curriculum
   
10. Opportunities for teamwork, delegation, supervision and teaching

Program Strengths

Evidence-based practice; health promotion and wellness programs; cultural competency

Mission

The Physical Therapy Program of Midwestern University will use the highest educational and professional standards to prepare entry-level physical therapists who can provide quality physical therapy services to a diverse population across all levels of the healthcare continuum.

Accreditation

The Physical Therapy Program at Midwestern University, Glendale, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; telephone: 703/706-3245; e-mail: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org.

The Program's accreditation status is also found in the Midwestern University Catalog.

Midwestern University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission/A Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC/NCA), 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, Il 60604-1413; 312/263-0456.

FILING A COMPLAINT WITH CAPTE

CAPTE's complaint process can be found on the APTA web site.

Related Links

MWU Physical Therapy Program in Downers Grove

Physical Therapy as a Career

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapists

Physical Therapist Online