You are in the official 1997-98 General Catalog
for California State University, Fresno.
Physical Therapy
School of Health and Human Services
Department of Physical Therapy
DARLENE L. STEWART, Chair
McLane Hall, Room 188
(559) 278-2625
M.P.T., Master of Physical Therapy
Faculty
Darlene L. Stewart, Chair
Kathleen A. Curtis
Janet K. Duttarer
Joanne M. Laslovich
Gary L. Lentell
Robert K. Martin
Jonathan T. Spry
H. Steven Sadowsky
Peggy Trueblood
Toni Tyner
Physical therapy is a health profession that restores function to persons
who have suffered a loss or disturbance of locomotion due to disease or
injury to the neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, and integumentary
systems. Through evaluation, physical therapy diagnosis, and treatment planning,
the physical therapist utilizes physical agents and a variety of therapeutic
exercise techniques to bring about improved functional outcomes.
Individuals must possess a baccalaureate degree in a related field of study
and complete all prerequisite requirements prior to beginning the professional
major. Following successful completion of the professional curriculum, the
student receives the M.P.T. degree.*
Completion of a postgraduate internship is required to be eligible to seek a license to practice physical therapy in the state of California.
Master of Physical Therapy
The profession requires a broad foundation in the natural and behavioral
sciences coupled with effective communication skills. Insight and sensitivity
to the unique needs of diverse populations is essential to effectively maximize
the individual's functional potential in society.
The program is a six semester full-time course of study that prepares students
for entry-level practice in a variety of clinical settings. The curriculum
design is a regional integrated approach to patient management with special
emphasis on problem solving.
The student will be educated with a thorough knowledge base and be capable
of critical thought. Students learn effective analysis and interpretation
of data with which to diagnose neuromusculoskeletal movement dysfunction,
make treatment planning decisions, and predict outcome based on sound research
principles. The graduate will be prepared to assume the multidimensional
roles of the master clinician, including patient care, education, consultation,
and administration of physical therapy services in the broad spectrum of
physical therapy practice settings. The student will be prepared to be an
effective leader in the health care delivery system and in society.
Faculty and Facilities
The faculty is composed entirely of physical therapists and includes individuals with advanced preparation in all major areas of physical therapy. Together they represent extensive years of clinical experience. Half have earned doctorates or advanced specialty certification. More than half continue to be actively engaged in practice of physical therapy, working in tandem with their faculty responsibilities. Several have held significant positions of leadership in the professional association, publish regularly in professional journals, and have authored textbooks used nationally. Their efforts have been recognized frequently with prestigious awards from the profession and the community.
Clinical laboratory experiences are conducted in a variety of health care facilities throughout the state of California and, on a limited basis, out of state.
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.
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* Substantive changes have been proposed for Physical Therapy programs.
The B.S. in Physical Therapy will no longer be available effective fall
1997.
