Physical Therapy 97
GPAST 692-694 Special Topics in Theology 3 credits Specifically designed seminars focusing on specific topics in systematic and pastoral theology, biblical studies, or catechetics that are meant to supplement the regular course offerings. GPAST 796 Directed Research Project and Oral Examination 3 credits Directed Research The research project is to give evidence of the student’s competence to do scholarly, theological research and apply the research findings to his or her respective area of concentration. In consultation with the Director of Pastoral Studies, the student will select a topic to research. The Director of the Program will then assign the student a project director, who will direct the individual’s research. Once the research in completed as determined by the project director, a final draft of the research paper is submitted to the Director of Pastoral Studies. The paper is then distributed to three reviewers who’s average grade will comprise the grade of the research project. Oral Examination An oral examination will occur once the student has completed the Directed Research Project. The same three reviewers of the research project will also serve as the oral examiners. The average grade of the examiners will comprise the grade of the oral examination. The student must successfully complete both portions of GPAST 796, the successful completion of the research project and the successful completion of the oral examination. The average of both the research paper and the oral examination will constitute the final grade for GPAST 796. Courses from Other Programs See course descriptions for Graduate Programs in Community Counseling, and Education.
Physical Therapy The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree
Chairperson: Kristine S. Legters, PT, DSc, NCS
INTRODUCTION
Physical Therapy is a health care profession that primarily focuses on the preservation, development, and restoration of optimal function. Physical therapists provide evaluative, rehabilitative, and preventive health care services designed to alleviate pain; prevent the onset and progression of impairment, functional limitation, disability resulting from injury, disease, or other causes; and restore, maintain and promote overall fitness, health and optimal quality of life. Physical therapists work with individuals of all ages who demonstrate movement dysfunction, or the potential for such dysfunction, of the neurological, musculoskeletal, integumentary, and cardiopulmonary systems. Physical therapists practice in a hospital setting, or provide services in out-of-hospital settings through home health agencies, in nursing homes, in industrial settings, through public health agencies, in private physical therapy clinics, in public schools and in a variety of other nontraditional settings.
VISION
Gannon University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program will be a leader in educating autonomous physical therapists who participate in integrative and collaborative practice to facilitate high quality health and educational outcomes. We will be practitioners of choice in the community, recognized as experts in movement, function and health. As leaders we will embrace our social responsibility, promote humanistic care, and contribute to the profession’s body of knowledge.
MISSION
The mission of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Gannon University is to facilitate holistic patient/client-centered management for body functions, activity and participation related to movement, function and health. We prepare our graduates to be knowledgeable, service-oriented, collaborative, reflective practitioners. They render evidence based, independent judgments concerning patient/ client needs by virtue of critical thinking, commitment to lifelong learning, and ethical values. They possess the intellect, psychomotor proficiency and core values to meet the current and future needs of the profession and the health care system.