Introduction Master of Public Health Departments: Nursing Health Sciences Kinesiology Pharmacy Physical Therapy Speech-Language Pathology Dr. Patricia Castiglia, Dean Dr. Gail Ackall, Associate Dean Connie Gamboa, Assistant Dean 1101 N. Campbell Phone: (915) 747-8217 Fax: (915) 747-7207		Physical Therapy Web site at: http://www.nurse.utep.edu/kin/ 1101 N. Campbell, Room 701 (915) 747-7280 1.- Admission Requirements 2.- Selection Criteria 3.- Application Process 4.- Professional Course of Study 5.- Physical Therapy (PT) Courses PROGRAM COORDINATOR: Paul M. Nagel GRADUATE FACULTY: Acosta, Bois, Bybee, Dillon, Löhn Physical Therapy is a health profession whose primary purpose is the promotion of optimal physical function. Therapists apply scientific principles to prevent and treat acute and chronic movement disorders. Physical therapy encompasses areas of specialization and includes the development of new approaches to more effectively meet existing and emerging health are needs. The Physical Therapy Program offers a Master's Degree in Physical Therapy. While acceptance into the Master's Degree Program does not require completion of an undergraduate degree, the competitive nature of the admissions process makes it imperative that interested undergraduates follow a traditional undergraduate major (e.g., Biological Sciences, Health Sciences, Chemistry) as they complete the program prerequisites and electives. In addition, undergraduates should be aware of the University Core Curriculum and its requirements as they plan a course of study that may lead to consideration for admission to the Master's Degree in Physical Therapy. Acceptance into the program requires the completion of ninety prerequisite and elective undergraduate semester hours (see below) and selection after a competitive admissions process (see below). Twenty-four students are selected each year and begin their studies in the Fall. Successful completion of the academic and clinical components of the Master's Degree makes the graduate eligible to take the Texas (and other State) license examination in Physical Therapy. Successful completion of that examination allows the graduate to practice as a licensed physical therapist. The program with its academic and clinical components is two and one-half years in length (eight consecutive semesters). The semesters are sequential and require full-time attendance. Included in the program are a total of 28 weeks of full-time clinical rotations and a research project. The clinical rotations are of various lengths (two, four, six, and eight weeks) and occur at scheduled times during the program. While participating at a clinical site, the student applies the academic portion of the curriculum to the evaluation and treatment of actual patients in a variety of settings. These settings may include acute care hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, and public schools. While many of these affiliations are in El Paso, students are required to go out of town for others. Travel and living expenses for these affiliations are the students' responsibility. The research project requires an original question, a research proposal, gathering and analyzing of data, a public presentation, and a final written paper.

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