Healing Through Education
Physical therapy is a specialty in the field of health care that is concerned with the prevention of disability and the physical rehabilitation following impairment. The goals of physical therapy are to help patients regain diminished physical function, which has been lost secondary to injury or disease, and to relieve pain. Qualified by education and licensure, physical therapists perform appropriate tests to evaluate neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, and sensorimotor functions. By determining the degree of impairment, physical therapists are then able to help patients return to full function by the use of various physical agents to decrease pain and by the use of therapeutic exercise to increase strength, endurance, and coordination, thus allowing them to return to meaningful occupational and recreational pursuits. In addition to the treatment of injuries and physical disabilities, physical therapists play a major role in the prevention of disability by teaching people the importance of physical fitness and the relationship between health, nutrition, and disease.
Physical therapists may work in general or specialized hospitals, home health agencies, rehabilitation centers, schools for handicapped children, out-patient clinics, nursing homes, sports medicine centers, public health agencies, and colleges and universities.
The Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree
The course of study at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas is an entry-level professional program designed to prepare students to enter the profession of physical therapy. A Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree is awarded following the successful completion of the program that consists of intense academic and clinical work spread over six semesters and three summers. Students are prepared as generalists, but also have an opportunity to investigate specialized aspects of physical therapy through numerous clinical exposures. The program of study consists of 111 credit hours of graduate course work. These hours are divided among classroom, clinical, and research activities.
Career Opportunities
The enormous popularity in the physical therapy profession the past few years has increased demand for physical therapists considerably. Subsequently, it is expected that the employment market will continue to be strong. Future demands will be most affected by population growth, economic growth, and the spread of managed care.
Licensure Examination
The curriculum provides a comprehensive background in the art and science of physical therapy to assist students who successfully complete the program to be eligible to sit for the state licensure examination.
Accreditation
The Physical Therapy program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas has been granted Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association.
