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SUNY Upstate Medical University to offer new doctoral programs in physical therapy

The Department of Physical Therapy Education at SUNY Upstate Medical University's College of Health Professions is offering two new doctoral programs, the doctor of physical therapy (DPT) and the transitional doctor of physical therapy (T-DPT). Both degree programs were approved by the New York State Education Department and will prepare graduates to meet the current and future physical therapy health care needs of society.

According to Pamela Gramet, Ph.D., the programs will begin in June 2004 and will emphasize the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills as well as the use of evidence-based practice. The programs will also arm graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully compete in today's job market.

"The move to doctoral education in physical therapy is in keeping with the vision of the American Physical Therapy Association that by 2020, physical therapy will be provided by doctors of physical therapy," said Gramet, who chairs the College's Department of Physical Therapy Education.

The doctoral of physical therapy degree program replaces the college's current entry-level master's degree (BS/MPT) program in physical therapy. It is a full-time, graduate professional preparation program fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy. Graduates receive a doctor of physical therapy degree and are eligible to apply for licensure as physical therapists throughout the United States.

The curriculum consists of a minimum of 125 credits over a period of nine semesters (including summers). The first year begins in the summer session and the program of study includes three years of both classroom instruction and clinical work. Forty weeks of clinical education are interspersed throughout the program, including a 24-week clinical experience in the final semester.

The transitional doctor of physical therapy program is designed to meet the needs of licensed physical therapists who are graduates of master's and bachelor's degree programs and who want to acquire new knowledge that was not part of their original professional entry-level education. This program varies in the number of credit hours required (16-50 credit hours, depending on entry point and portfolio review). A doctor of physical therapy degree is available upon completion of the program.

SUNY Upstate Medical University has four colleges and is a university for upper division, transfer and graduate students. The College of Health Professions houses seven health care programs and grants baccalaureate, masters and doctoral degrees.

For more information about the new doctoral programs, call 315-464-6881.

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