Mar 28, 2024  
2006-2007 Springfield College Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2006-2007 Springfield College Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]


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Physical Therapy



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Degree(s): Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a major in Pre-Physical Therapy
                Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) with a major in Physical Therapy

(a minimum of 120 credit hours at the undergraduate level)
(a minimum of 115 credit hours at the graduate level)
 Requirements are subject to change.

The program in physical therapy is a six and one-half year program in which students earn a bachelor’s degree in Pre-Physical Therapy and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.  Students enter as first-year students and immediately begin undergraduate preparatory studies that incorporate foundational sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities coursework.  At the end of the third year of studies, students enter the first year of doctoral work while completing undergraduate credits.  After four years, the student earns a bachelor of science degree in pre-physical therapy and continues with professional coursework.  Upon successful completion of all program requirements, the graduate is awarded a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and is eligible to apply for state licensure.

Professional level coursework includes content in anatomy, exercise physiology, kinesiology, clinical sciences, organization and delivery of healthcare, research methodology, and statistics, as well as full-time clinical experiences in approved clinical education facilities.  The curriculum is subject to modification to ensure a comprehensive, integrated sequence of experiences leading to a physical therapy education of the highest possible quality.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association.  Coursework in physical therapy enables students to develop advanced problem-solving skills in examination, program planning, and treatment of those who need physical therapy services. Graduates possess a broad knowledge in the science and practice of physical therapy, as well as a basic understanding of administration and research. In addition, students have the opportunity for advanced study in selected areas of physical therapy. The program integrates the humanics philosophy in total patient care, including the intellectual, physical, and spiritual aspects of treating the whole person within a social, political, and economic context.

Note: For students entering the program prior to the Fall of 2005

The program in physical therapy is an entry-level master’s degree program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association. Coursework in physical therapy enables students to develop advanced problem-solving skills in examination, program planning, and treatment of those who need physical therapy services. Graduates possess a broad knowledge in the science and practice of physical therapy, as well as a basic understanding of administration and research. In addition, students have the opportunity for advanced study in selected areas of physical therapy. The program integrates the humanics philosophy in total patient care, including the intellectual, physical, and spiritual aspects of treating the whole person within a social, political, and economic context.

The program in physical therapy requires five and one-half years for completion. Students enter as first-year students and immediately begin a two-year, preprofessional component. This is followed by three and one-half years of professional preparation. After four years, the student earns a bachelor of science degree in pre-physical therapy and continues with the professional component. Upon successful completion of all program requirements, the graduate is awarded a Master of Science degree in physical therapy and is eligible to apply for state licensure.

The preprofessional courses include preparation in the basic sciences, social sciences, and liberal arts. The professional component includes courses in anatomy, exercise physiology, kinesiology, clinical sciences, organization and delivery of healthcare, research methodology, and statistics, as well as full-time clinical experiences in approved clinical education facilities. The preprofessional and professional components are subject to modification to ensure a comprehensive, integrated sequence of experiences leading to a physical therapy education of the highest possible quality.

Admission to the Program
Candidates applying for admission to the physical therapy program are required to have a rigorous background in the sciences and mathematics along with exposure to physical therapy practice in a healthcare setting. December 1 is the admissions deadline for all admissions materials for physical therapy applicants. Further details about the application procedure are available from the Admissions Office. Students already enrolled at Springfield College may transfer into physical therapy as undergraduates following an application and review by the department. Applicants from other colleges and universities are considered for admission into the professional component of the program on a space-available basis only; such applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree and satisfied all program prerequisites.

For more information about the physical therapy major, contact Dr. David Miller, chair of the Physical Therapy Department at (413) 748-3369 or the Admissions Office at (800) 343-1257.


Download a Physical Therapy Program Checksheet


I. General Education Program (40 - 46 credits)


The General Education program at Springfield College is informed by its century-old Humanics tradition of educating the whole person in spirit, mind, and body, for leadership in service to humanity. These requirements have the goal of developing literate, thoughtful, socially responsible students, and instilling in them a spirit of inquiry into the nature of humankind and the universe. Towards those ends, the requirements emphasize and encourage: the acquisition of knowledge, understanding, and competency essential for the improvement of the human condition in a diverse society; a search for personal and spiritual values; and the development of an understanding and appreciation of physical well-being.  For specific requirements, see the General Education Program section or the Program Checksheet for this major.

II. Major Requirements


B. Related Requirements


In addition, select one of the following courses:


Program Standards


Students are required to follow the policies and procedures of the Department of Physical Therapy as presented in the Physical Therapy Student Handbook. Students are admitted to the physical therapy program as first-year students and are required to maintain a 3.000 cumulative grade point average to be eligible to continue into the final three and one-half years of the professional program. A grade of C- or better is required in all courses. The academic records of the students are reviewed by the Physical Therapy Review and Evaluation Committee at the end of the second year to determine if the students have satisfied the requirements to continue. This is not meant to be a secondary application process, but rather a reasonably accurate indication of success in completing a rigorous professional program.

Clinical Education Courses
Students are required to successfully complete all clinical education courses. Clinical education sites have been established throughout much of the eastern part of the United States (New England, Middle Atlantic, and Southeastern US). Selected sites have also been established in other areas of the United States. Physical therapy students are responsible for additional costs incurred during the clinical affiliations. These costs include travel, living expenses, uniforms, and compliance with selected health requirements.

Program Essential Functions and Technical Standards
Each student admitted to the program is required to complete the essential functions of the program with or without reasonable accommodation. Program essential functions include participation in classroom, laboratory, and clinical functions, as well as performance of professional functions such as examination, treatment, and education of individuals in a timely and safe manner. Minimum academic standards and technical standards necessary for completion of the program essential functions must be met for continuation in and graduation from the program. Technical standards define the individual physical, sensory,cognitive, behavioral, and social attributes or outcomes necessary to complete the program essential functions. More information on the program technical standards is available from the Office of Admissions and can be found in the Physical Therapy Student Handbook.

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