Physical Therapy in Glendale

Fast Facts

Degree

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

General Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75
• Successful completion of prerequisute courses
• GRE General Test scores
• Current certification by the American Heart Association in Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health Care Providers

Length of Program

36 months, full-time

Class Size

50

Clinical Education Placements

Community, Urban, Rural, Teaching Hospitals; Geriatrics; Pediatrics; Orthopedics/Sports Medicine Clinics; Schools; Skilled Nursing facilities

Career Opportunities

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

US Employment Projections through 2014

Need for physical therapists predicted to grow much faster than average — more than a 27% increase, compared to other professions — to serve individuals, elderly, those with disability and/or limited function

Mean Salary Range

Occupational Employment & Wages, May 2010 - $77,990

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) 2010 Median Income of Physical Therapists Summary Report - $80,000

In 2010, the median income salaries in geographic regions ranged from $75,000 to $90,000 (APTA).

Admission Requirements

1. Completion of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
2. Minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 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

Prerequisite Courses

Application Deadline

The Physical Therapy Program uses a rolling admissions process. Applicants must apply online using the PTCAS application. The deadline for submitting
your PTCAS application is 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 health care 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; and
• 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 2011 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; and
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; and
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 health care continuum.

Accreditation

The Physical Therapy Program at Midwestern University, Glendale, has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association (1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; phone; 703-706-3245; accreditation@apta.org). Candidacy is not an accreditation status, nor does it assure eventual accreditation. Candidate for Accreditation is a pre-accreditation status of affiliation with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education that indicates the program is progressing toward accreditation.

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

Physical Therapy magazine