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.
Employment for physical therapists in 2016, compared to employment in 2006, is projected to grow 30 - 40% in
Nevada. 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.
