You are in the official 1996-97 General Catalog
for California State University, Fresno.

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Physical Therapy

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School of Health and Social Work
Department of Physical Therapy
Darlene L. Stewart, Chair
McLane Hall, Room 188
(559) 278-2625

B.S. in Physical Therapy*

M.P.T., Master of Physical Therapy

*The B.S. in Physical Therapy will no longer be available effective Fall 1997.

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Physical therapy is a health profession that is involved with restoration of function of persons who have suffered loss or disturbance of locomotion due to disease or injury to the neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, and integumentary systems. The physical therapist, through evaluation and treatment planning, utilizes physical agents, heat, light, electricity, ultrasound, and a variety of therapeutic exercise techniques to bring about physical restoration of function.

The professional curriculum consists of three semesters of undergraduate core courses and three semesters of advanced professional coursework. Individuals who have not completed the requirements for a baccalaureate degree complete these requirements at the end of the three semesters of undergraduate core coursework and move directly into the advanced professional coursework. Individuals with a previous baccalaureate degree in a non-major and who have met prerequisite requirements may apply for admission to the professional curriculum. Upon successful completion of the three-semester core and the advanced professional curriculum, the student may receive the M.P.T. degree.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy (no longer available as of fall 1997) provides the student with a liberal arts foundation integrated with professional coursework designed to provide understanding of basic skills needed to perform direct patient care with the guidance of a licensed physical therapist. After successful completion of the postbaccalaureate internship, the student is eligible to seek a license to practice physical therapy in the state of California. The bachelor of science degree also prepares the student for consideration for admission to the master's degree program in physical therapy.

Master of Physical Therapy. Education beyond the bachelor of science degree is necessary for comprehensive knowledge of the art and science of physical therapy. The student will be educated with a thorough knowledge base and be capable of critical thought leading to effective analysis and interpretation of data on which to make treatment planning decisions and to predict outcome based on sound research principles. The graduate will be prepared to assume the multidimensional roles of master clinician, including patient care, education, consultation, and administration of physical therapy services in the broad spectrum of physical therapy practice settings, and be effective leaders in the health care delivery system and society.

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Faculty and Facilities

All physical therapy faculty have special expertise in major areas of physical therapy. The curriculum design is a regional integrated approach to patient management with special emphasis on problem solving. Clinical laboratory experiences are conducted in a variety of clinical facilities throughout the state of California. Internships are available in selected facilities throughout the state.

Physical Therapy is a popular major and receives more applicants than can be accommodated. The department accepts 40 students in the fall of each year. Class size is limited due to the clinical component of the curriculum and by accreditation standards. Therefore, the department has supplemental criteria for selection into the major. To view these criteria, click here.

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Career Opportunities

Physical therapists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, private practices, extended care facilities, home health agencies, public and private schools for the handicapped, and sports medicine clinics. Recent studies indicate that the current manpower shortage will persist and that there will continue to be a strong job market for physical therapists. The starting salaries and opportunities are very good.

Physical Therapy - Degrees

Physical Therapy - Courses

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