WHAT IS A PHYSICAL THERAPIST? Physical therapists are health care professionals who diagnose and treat people who have medical problems or health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. Physical therapists provide care for people in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes. State licensure is required in each state in which a physical therapist practices. Source: American Physical Therapy Association and Guide to Physical Therapist Practice, 2nd Edition (2003)
Another factor influencing UW-L’s PT program development is the high demand for physical therapists as the baby boomer generation gets older and trends toward people seeking greater health, wellness and fitness continue. “All of our graduates are fortunate to obtain employment immediately upon graduation if not before,” says Thorman. The program’s success reflects its high caliber students, faculty and staff, she adds. UW-L PT program spring graduates had a 100 percent pass rate on the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy’s National Physical Therapy Exam and one student earned a perfect exam score — with only three other perfect scores recorded in the state.
Program faculty members Paul Reuteman and Erin Hussey fit a hip spica brace on PT student Trent Stensrud.
“This high pass rate is not the norm in most programs around the country and it reflects the very fine programs at UW-L and the dedicated, hard work of the faculty and students,” says Peggy Denton, chair of UW-L’s Health Professions Department. Thorman adds that UW-L’s program couldn’t function without the benefit of partnerships with local healthcare providers and clinical affiliates across the country who offers students hands-on experience in a clinical setting. UW-L’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program is a 34-month program taken after students earn a bachelor’s degree. Cohorts typically include 45 students. From left, PT students Carissa Melk and Maria Peloquin practice examination skills used to assess patients with neurological conditions.
Learn more at www.uwlax.edu/pt/
2008
First Consortial Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees conferred.
2012
UW Systems Board of Regents votes to dissolve the consortial degree.
2013
Higher Learning Commission and the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education both approve UW-L to confer its own Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.
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