Information Sessions

If you are interested in learning more about the Physical Therapy program we encourage you to attend one of our Information Sessions. Click here for more information.

Quick Reference

Starting semester: Summer Length of program: 36 months 9 semesters Degrees awarded: Doctor of Physical Therapy Licensure: National licensing examination administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy Admissions deadlines: Early: October 15 Regular: January 15 Late: April 1 Accreditation: All Physical Therapy programs are fully accredited through the year 2011 by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education Faculty Listings: Kathleen Cegles, PT, DEd Sandy Brotherton, PT, PhD Debora Brown, PT, MTC Tasos Karakostas, MPT, PhD David Morrisette, PT, PhD Lisa Saladin, PT, PhD David Sword, PT, DPT K. Jackson Thomas, PT, EdD Holly H. Wise, PT, PhD FAQs: Click here Prerequisites: Click here DPT Curriculum: Click here DPT Course Descriptions Click here t-DPT Curriculum: Click here t-DPT Course descriptions: Click here Peripheral and Spinal Manipulation CE information: Click here Useful links: American Physical Therapy Association RS Health Advisors' Handbook Contact info (843) 792-2961 (843) 792-0710 - fax

Current Student Info

STUDENT INFORMATION PAGE 2007 Dept. Handbook 2007 PT Student Handbook Clinical Education

Physical therapy focuses primarily on those individuals who have disturbed function or impairment related to the musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiopulmonary, and integumentary (skin) systems. It also focuses on methods of evaluating the functions of these systems and on the selection and application of appropriate therapeutic interventions to alleviate pain; to maintain, improve, or restore function; to prevent dysfunction; and to maintain health.

Prerequisite Requirements           Application Deadlines

Application Check List

The Profession
Physical therapists are specialists in evaluating and treating disorders of the human body primarily by physical means. They are legally and ethically responsible for examining the patient or client; evaluating the results; determining goals; and planning, implementing and evaluating a physical therapy program. This responsibility typically includes educating and instructing patients and their families.  In addition, physical therapists supervise physical therapist assistants, physical therapy aides, students, and others in accordance to state practice laws, rules, and regulations. The physical therapist consults and works closely with physicians, surgeons, and other healthcare practitioners in establishing treatment objectives which are realistic and consistent with the patient's needs.

The physical therapist provides services aimed at preventing the onset and/or slowing the progression of conditions resulting from injury, disease and other causes. The physical therapist provides these services to people of all ages who have pain or functional limitations resulting from a multitude of diseases and injuries, as well as congenital and hereditary disorders.

 Physical therapists work in a variety of settings, which include:

• hospitals
• outpatient clinics
• rehabilitation centers
• nursing homes
• schools
• homes
• hospice facilities
• research centers
• athletic facilities
• industrial clinics
• academic centers as educators

Skills Needed

• Good manual, observation, critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills
• Must be capable of rigorous physical activity and enjoy working with people.

Licensure
All states and territories in the United States require a license to practice. Each state requires the National Board Examination (NPTE) but each state may have additional criteria for obtaining licensure. In South Carolina, licensing information can be obtained by contacting:

S.C. Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation
South Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners
PO Box 11329
Columbia, S.C. 29211
Phone:(803) 896-4655
Web: www.llr.state.sc.us/POL/physical therapy

The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) administers the national licensing examination.  The web site for the FSBPT is: http://www.fsbpt.org.

Curriculum

• Three-year entry-level graduate professional physical therapy curriculum
• Doctor of Physical Therapy degree awarded upon successful completion of coursework, professional development and clinical rotations
• Emphasis is placed on scientific and evidence-based practice with continued content revision to include the most contemporary standards of care
• Structured learning experiences allow students to apply theoretical knowledge, enhance professional behaviors, and develop clinical skills
• Learning experiences and activities to promote independent inquiry and
• One 6-week and three 8-week full-time clinical practicums are required involving direct patient care under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist
• Quality clinical practicum sites are utilized at facilities throughout the United States

Clinical education
Clinical education provides opportunities for the integration of didactic knowledge, psychomotor skills, clinical reasoning, time-management, professional behaviors, and patient education principles within the confines of the current health care system and under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. One goal is to provide the best clinical education experience possible. For this to occur, we rely on feedback from students, as well as the clinical and academic faculty.

Clinical sites
The physical therapy program affiliates with approximately 300 clinical education facilities. This provides opportunity for students to participate in a variety of clinical settings including, but not limited to:

• acute care facilities
• outpatient facilities
• rehabilitation centers
• home health care organizations
• pediatric sites
• geriatric sites

A wide variety of clinical sites are located throughout the United States.

Clinical rotations

• Students are assigned to one 6-week and three 8-week full-time clinical practicums.
• The 6-week clinical practicum occurs after the first year of academic course work.
• The final three clinical practicums occur at the successful completion of all academic coursework and professional development requirements. These clinical rotations occur across a variety of settings.
• Students are required to complete at least one rotation in an acute care setting, or a setting that provides opportunities to work with an underserved or rural population.
• Individual clinical experiences should reflect a breadth of experiences and spectrum of patient age ranges.
• Requirements for clinical rotations are at the personal expense of student physical therapists. MUSC does not guarantee housing or stipends while on clinical rotations. The student must consider these expenses prior to applying to the DPT program.

Contact Information

Admissions
Susan Johnson
Student Services Coordinator
Dept. of Rehabilitation Sciences
Phone: (843) 792-2961
Fax: (843) 792-0710
E-mail: johnsoss@musc.edu

Ashley Stuckey
Admissions Coordinator
MUSC Office of Enrollment Services
Phone: (843) 792-8712
Fax: (843) 792-3764
E-mail: stuckey@musc.edu

Dr. Peter Bowman, Director
Rehabilitation Sciences Recruitment
Phone: (843) 792-3942
Fax: (843) 792-0710
E-mail: bowmanpj@musc.edu

Application deadlines
Early: October 15
Regular: January 15
Late: April 1
* Late applications will be processed on a space available basis.

Acceptances offered
Early: December
Regular: February - March
Late: On a space available basis.

Application checklist

1. Complete university application
2. Transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
3. Reference  (1 reference is required)
4. Volunteer Experience and Evaluation  (a minimum of 100 hours volunteer/observation in a physical therapy setting)
5. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) results
6. Completed prerequisite courses taken form
7. Plans for coursework for the remaining year form (as applicable)

NOTE: All above information must be received before an admission decision can be made.