California State University, Fresno
General Catalog
Physical Therapy

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for California State University, Fresno.


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Department of Physical Therapy

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Photo of physical therapy students working with a patient.

The College of Health and Human Services

PEGGY R. TRUEBLOOD, Chair
PAHOUA (PEA) VANG, Administrative Support Coordinator
DEBRA PICHARDO, Administrative Support Assistant
McLane Hall, Room 186A
559.278.2625

http://www.fresnostate.edu/physicaltherapy

D.P.T., Doctor of Physical Therapy
Entry-level D.P.T. (for becoming a practicing clinician)
Post-professional Joint D.P.T. (for experienced and licensed clinicians)*

* The post-professional D.P.T. is jointly conferred with UC San Francisco.

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Faculty

Peggy R. Trueblood, Chair

Harshavardhan Deoghare
Cheryl Hickey
Gary L. Lentell
Robert K. Martin
Debra Nervik
Jenna Sawden-Bea
Marcia J. Thompson
Toni Tyner

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Physical Therapy

Physical therapists, or PTs, are health care professionals who evaluate and treat people with health problems resulting from injury, disease, or biomechanical dysfunction. Physical therapists are integral members of the primary care team and are involved in prevention of disability and promotion of positive health. They are also acting consultants in restorative care.

Physical therapy includes the following:

  1. Examining and evaluating patients with health-related conditions, impairments, functional limitations, and disability in order to determine diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention;
  2. Alleviating impairments and functional limitations by designing, implementing, and modifying therapeutic interventions;
  3. Preventing injury, impairments, functional limitations, and disability while promoting and maintaining fitness, health, and quality of life in all age populations; and
  4. Engaging in consultation, education, and research.

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Career Opportunities

Physical therapists practice in acute care or subacute care hospitals, private physical therapy offices, community health centers, industrial health centers, sports facilities, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, home health agencies, schools, or pediatric centers. Others work in research institutions or teach in colleges and universities.

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Faculty and Facilities

The faculty is composed of physical therapists that collectively have advanced preparation in all major areas of physical therapy. Most have earned doctorates or advanced specialty certification. Together they represent extensive years of clinical experience. Many faculty members continue to engage in practice in tandem with their faculty responsibilities. Several have held significant positions of leadership in professional associations and have authored textbooks used nationally; several also publish regularly in professional journals. 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 out of state on a limited basis.

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Physical Therapy Education

The Department of Physical Therapy offers an entry-level postbaccaulareate Doctor of Physical Therapy which meets professional education requirements to become a licensed physical therapist in all 50 states. In addition, until 2014, the Department of Physical Therapy will continue to offer its self-support joint post-professional Doctor of Physical Therapy program with the University of California, San Francisco. This D.P.T. is available for experienced, licensed physical therapists with a master's degree in physical therapy.

 


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