Physical Therapy
500 College of Health Sciences
Phone: (915) 747-8207
E-mail: pt@utep.edu
PROGRAM COORDINATOR: Paul M. Nagel
GRADUATE FACULTY: Acosta, Bois, Bybee, Dillon, Ryberg
Physical Therapy is a health profession whose primary purpose is the promotion of optimal physical function. Physical 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 care needs.
The Physical Therapy Program offers a Masters Degree in Physical Therapy. While acceptance into the Masters 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, Kinesiology, 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 Masters Degree in Physical Therapy.
Acceptance into the program requires the completion of ninety prerequisite and elective undergraduate credit 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 Masters 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 calendar years in length (eight consecutive semesters). The semesters are sequential and require full-time attendance. Included in the program are a total of thirty (30) weeks of full-time clinical affiliations and a research project.
Admissions Requirements
Before admission to the Physical Therapy program, students must meet all admission
requirements as stated below.
Undergraduate Courses
At least 72 undergraduate hours must be completed prior to the formal application process and a minimum of 90 semester hours of undergraduate study must be completed prior to starting the program. When planning a course of study that may lead to consideration for the program, students must take courses that apply to the University Core Curriculum, meet requirements for a regular academic major, and satisfy specific program prerequisites. No more than 66 credit hours can be transferred from a community or junior college. All science (biology, chemistry, physics) and math courses must have been completed in the last 10 years.
Prerequisite Courses
Forty-nine semester hours are required prerequisite courses. These courses must meet specified conditions1 and include:
English (9 credit hours)
ENGL 1311 (ENGL 1301)* 3 hrs
ENGL 1312 (ENGL 1302)* 3 hrs
ENGL 3359 3 hrs
Chemistry (8 credit hours)
CHEM 1305/1105 (CHEM 1311/1111)* 4 hrs CHEM 1306/1106 (CHEM 1312/1112)* 4 hrs
Biology (8 credit hours)
BIOL 1305/1107 (BIOL 1306/1106)* 4 hrs
And either:
BIOL 1306/1108 *
OR
BIOL 3414
OR
ZOOL 2406
Physiology (4 credit hours)
Upper-level physiology with laboratory (human, animal, or vertebrate physiology)
ZOOL 4380/4181
OR
BIOL 4388/ZOOL 4181
Note: BIOL 2313/2113 Human Anatomy and Physiology (BIOL 2302/2102)
does not meet requirements as upper-level.
Psychology (6 credit hours) Physics (8 credit hours)
PSYC 1301 (PSYC 2301)* 3 hrs PHYS 1403 (PHYS 1401)* 4 hrs
PSYC 2310 (PSYC 2312) 3 hrs PHYS 1404 (PHYS 1402)* 4 hrs
both courses must include labs
Communication (3 credit hours) Statistics (3 credit hours)
COMM 1301* 3 hrs PSYC 1303 (PSYC 2317) 3 hrs OR must include analysis of variance
COMM 1302* 3 hrs (ANOVA) prefer psychology or
education based
* Course meets University Core Curriculum requirement.
Elective Courses
Forty-one semester hours are elective. However, some of these hours must be used to complete the University Core Curriculum. Students are urged to choose courses that complete an academic major, fulfill University Core requirements, and promote a well-rounded education.
University Core Curriculum
Physical Therapy Program prerequisite courses do not meet all the University Core Curriculum requirements. Courses must be selected to complete University Core Curriculum requirements in U.S. History (HIST 1301 and HIST 1302), Political Science (POLS 2310 and POLS 2311), Visual and Performing Arts (three credits), Humanities (three credits), and the Institutionally Designated Option (three credits).
Additional Requirements for Admission
1. Completion of the University Core Curriculum prior to beginning the Masters Degree Program in Physical Therapy
a. UTEP undergraduates without a degree must complete UTEP Core Curriculum
requirements.
b. Undergraduates without a degree from other Texas universities must document that
they have completed the University Core Curriculum requirements from their home
university.
c. Students with a baccalaureate degree and undergraduates from non-Texas universities
are exempt from the University Core Curriculum requirement.
2. A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 (on a four point scale)
3. A minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a four point scale) in math/science (biology, chemistry, physics)
5. Three letters of recommendation-one of which must be from a physical therapist who supervised the work or volunteer experience
6. Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
7. International students (when English is not the official or first language) must have a minimum score of 550 on TOEFL
8. Completed application for the Graduate School
9. Official transcripts (plus two copies) of all colleges or community colleges attended.
10. Graduate application processing fee ($15 US for permanent residents, $65 International applicants)
11. Completion of an official interview of all eligible candidates
Selection Criteria
Completion of the above requirements makes a student eligible for selection but does NOT guarantee admission to the Physical Therapy Program. The final selection is competitive and based on academic course work and the other requirements.
Admission Process
(The application packet including all necessary forms is available beginning August 1st.)
All applications, supporting documentation, transcripts, and test scores should be sent to:
Graduate School
201 Administration Building
The University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, Texas 79968
(915) 747-5491
Email: gradschool@utep.edu
Inquires may be made to:
Physical Therapy Program
UTEP College of Health Sciences
1101 N. Campbell
El Paso, TX 79902-0581
(915) 747-8207
Email: pdumond@utep.edu
Professional Course of Study
Year 1, Fall Semester
(15 academic weeks)
PT 5406 Human Anatomy for Physical Therapists 4
PT 5212 Basic Sciences for Physical Therapists 2
PT 5408 Introduction to Patient Care and 4
Therapeutic Procedures
PT 5207 Kinesiology for Physical Therapists 2
PT 5310 Legal, Ethical and Professional Aspects
of Practice 3
Total Credit Hours 15
Year 1, Spring Semester
(15 academic weeks)
PT 5418 Cardiorespiratory Disorders and Other
Medical Conditions 4
PT 5311 Thermal Agents and Electrotherapeutics 3
PT 5409 Advanced Therapeutic Exercise and
Muscle Testing 4
PT 5216 Research Methods for Physical Therapists 2
PT 5317 Neuroscience for Physical Therapists 3
Total Credit Hours 16
Year 1, Summer Semester
(8 academic weeks)
PT 5115 Clinical Education Seminar I 1
PT 5319 Introduction to Evaluation and Management
of Orthopedic Problems 3
PT 5329 Related Topics in Neurologic Physical Therapy 3
Total Credit Hours 7
Year 2, Fall Semester
(8 clinical weeks, 7 academic weeks)
PT 5413 Clinical Education in Physical Therapy I 4
PT 5321 Orthopedic Evaluation and Management of the
Lower Quarter 3
PT 5422 Related Topics in Orthopedic Physical Therapy 4
PT 5226 Designing and Conducting Research in Physical Therapy 2
Total Credit Hours 13
Year 2, Spring Semester
(7 academic weeks, 8 clinical weeks)
PT 5425 Clinical Education in Physical Therapy II 4
PT 5528 Evaluation and Management of Adult
Neurological Disorders 5
PT 5320 Orthopedic Evaluation and Management of the
Upper Quarter 3
PT 5123 Clinical Education Seminar II 1
Total Credit Hours 13
Year 2, Summer Semester
(8 academic weeks)
PT 5150 Independent Study 1
PT 5233 Clinical Education Seminar III 2
PT 5327 Foundations for Management of Neurological Patients 3
Total Credit Hours 6
Year 3, Fall Semester
(7 academic weeks, 8 clinical weeks)
PT 5337 Evaluation and Management of Pediatric Disorders 3
PT 5443 Clinical Education in Physical Therapy III 4
PT 5340 Management and Health Systems in
Physical Therapy 3
PT 5346 Research Project I 3
Total Credit Hours 13
Year 3, Spring Semester
(2 academic weeks, 6 clinical weeks)
PT 5324 Clinical Education in Physical Therapy IV 3
PT 5256 Research Project II 2
(Clinical Education V will occur during the first 8 weeks of the semester.)
Total Credit Hours 5
Total Credit Hours in Program = 88
The courses listed below are open to physical therapy students who have been accepted into the professional phase of the program. Students who are not in the MPT program may enroll in particular courses (e.g. neuroscience, anatomy, basic sciences) only with the permission of the program coordinator.
Physical Therapy (PT)
5115 Clinical Education Seminar I (1-0)
Students will be given the opportunity to discuss aspects of the previous affiliation such as patient treatment, legal/ethical, administration, and professional issues. Case studies from clinical experiences related to past semesters' course work will be presented. Grading will be pass/fail. Prerequisite: PT 5113.
5123 Clinical Education Seminar II (1-0)
Students will be given the opportunity to discuss various aspects of the previous affiliation such as patient treatment, legal/ethical, administration, and professional issues. Grading will be pass/fail. Prerequisite: PT 5214.
5150 Independent Study (1-0)
An elective course that may include physical therapy evaluation and treatment techniques for special populations (e.g., geriatrics, pediatrics) or in specialized settings (e.g., aqua therapy, hippotherapy), advanced anatomical dissection, gerontology, or computer operations.
5207 Kinesiology for Physical Therapists (1-2)
Students will be given the opportunity to identify bony landmarks and apply biomechanical principles to normal static and dynamic motor control of the human body. Laboratory fee required.
5212 Basic Sciences for Physical Therapists (2-0)
Students will be given the opportunity to acquire a basic knowledge of the process of disease and injury at the cellular level.
5214 Clinical Education in Physical Therapy II (0-0-11)
Students will be given the opportunity: (1) to apply previously acquired knowledge and skills to patients in clinical settings and (2) to develop the clinical skills, behavior, and attitudes that reflect professional practice. Grading will be pass/fail.
Prerequisites: PT 5113 and PT 5115.
5216 Research Methods for Physical Therapists (2-0)
Students will be given the opportunity: (1) to understand principles of research design as related to case studies, survey, basic clinical and applied studies; (2) to study selected techniques of statistical analysis including parametric, non-parametric, and single case; (3) to conduct a literature search; and (4) to learn how to critique and apply research findings.
5226 Designing and Conducting Research in Physical Therapy (0-0-2)
Students will be given the opportunity: (1) to create a research proposal and (2) to present the research proposal, both written and oral, to faculty advisors.
5233 Clinical Education Seminar III (2-0)
Students will be given the opportunity to discuss various aspects of the previous affiliation such as patient treatment, factors that impact personal health and health care delivery, legal/ethical, administration, and professional issues. Prerequisite: PT 5324.
5256 Research Project II (0-0-2)
Students will be given the opportunity to prepare and deliver an oral/poster presentation and final written paper on the topic of their research. Prerequisites: PT 5226 and PT 5346.
5310 Legal, Ethical, and Professional Aspects of Practice (3-0)
Students will be given the opportunity to acquire knowledge of the ethical principles and legal factors that impact on the physical therapy profession and apply these concepts to clinical practice.
5311 Thermal Agents and Electrotherapeutics (2-3)
Students will be given the opportunity: (1) to study the therapeutic effects of heat, cold, light, water, and electricity and the physiological effects on the nervous, vascular, and musculoskeletal systems; (2) to recognize the indications and contraindications for these modalities; and (3) to demonstrate the safe and effective application of these modalities. Laboratory fee required.
5317 Neuroscience for Physical Therapists (3-0)
Students will be given the opportunity (1) to participate in advanced studies in human neurosciences; (2) to acquire the ability the identify and describe structures and functions of the nervous system; and (3) to correlate underlying lesions with neurological dysfunction encountered in his/her professional practice. Prerequisite: PT 5406. Laboratory fee required.
5319 Introduction to Evaluations and Management of Orthopedic Problems (2-3)
Students will be given the opportunity (1) to study the basic pathophysiology occurring in tissues of the musculoskeletal system; (2) to study the basic principles of medical and surgical care of orthopedic problems; (3) to study and practice the basic physical therapy techniques used in the assessment of orthopedic problems; and (4) to study and practice the basic principles of physical therapy management of orthopedic problems. Laboratory fee required.
5320 Orthopedic Evaluation and Management of the Upper Quarter (2-3)
Students will be given the opportunity (1) to study the pathomechanical and pathophysiological etiology of common upper quarter orthopedic problems; (2) to study and discuss the medical and surgical treatment of upper quarter orthopedic problems; (3) to discuss the recommendations and concerns of physicians and surgeons regarding the physical management of problems resulting from upper quarter orthopedic problems; and (4) to develop skill in clinical physical therapy assessment, information analysis, problem solving, clinical treatment, patient education, and management commonly used by physical therapists for clients with upper quarter orthopedic problems. Laboratory fee required.
5321 Orthopedic Evaluation and Management of the Lower Quarter (2-3)
Students will be given the opportunity (1) to study the pathomechanical and pathophysiological etiology of common lower quarter orthopedic problems; (2) to study and discuss the medical and surgical treatment of lower quarter orthopedic problems; (3) to discuss the recommendations and concerns of physicians and surgeons regarding the physical management of problems resulting from lower quarter orthopedic problems; (4) to develop skill in clinical physical therapy assessment, information analysis, problem solving, clinical treatment, patient education, and management commonly used by physical therapists for clients with lower quarter orthopedic problems. Laboratory fee required.
5324 Clinical Education in Physical Therapy IV (0-0-16)
Students will be given the opportunity: (1) to apply advanced physical therapy knowledge and skills to patients in clinical settings or teaching and administrative skills in alternative settings, (2) to demonstrate entry level clinical behavior, and (3) to integrate knowledge from previous academic and clinical coursework to the physical therapy care of patients. Grading will be pass/fail. Prerequisites: PT 5413, PT 5425, and PT 5443.
5327 Foundations for Management of Neurological Patients (2-3)
Students will be given the opportunity (1) to describe the neurophysiological basis for the treatment alternatives frequently employed with neurological patients; (2) to describe the principles of normal human development and the basis of motor control; and (3) to relate the implications for each of the above to the management of patients with neurological disabilities. Laboratory fee required.
5329 Related Topics in Neurologic Physical Therapy (2-3)
Students will be given the opportunity (1) to gain knowledge and skill in the performance of functional activities; (2) to demonstrate how to teach others to perform appropriate functional activities; (3) to identify and modify equipment for specific client problems; and (4) to select and modify or create orthotic devices appropriate for patients with neurological disabilities. Laboratory fee required.
5337 Evaluation and Management of Pediatric Disorders (2-3)
Students will be given the opportunity (1) to study the etiology and pathology of pediatric clients with neurological and orthopedic dysfunction. Laboratory fee required.
5340 Management and Health Systems in Physical Therapy (3-0)
Students will be given the opportunity to understand (1) basic management theories, principles, and practices as they relate to health care delivery; (2) alternative means and sources of health care delivery; (3) reimbursement sources and procedures; (4) the internal and external forces that impact on health care delivery; and (5) the community resources available to health care practitioners and clients. Students will be introduced to the concept of marketing and the to marketing strategies and will begin to develop knowledge and skill in management of a physical therapy service.
5346 Research Project I (0-0-3)
Students will be given the opportunity to conduct a supervised investigation and to analyze results in preparation for their final presentation. Prerequisite: PT 5226.
5406 Human Anatomy for Physical Therapists (2-6)
Students will be given the opportunity to study, in detail, the anatomy of the extremities, the trunk, muscles of the face, scalp and neck, the heart, lungs, and the surface of the brain. Laboratory fee required.
5408 Introduction to Patient Care and Therapeutic Procedures (2-6)
Students will be given the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skill in basic patient care procedures including the following areas: (1) communication-interviewing, teaching and learning, writing behavioral objectives, documenting in medical records, and using computers; (2) psychological response to others' behaviors; (3) evaluative skills- vital signs, surface palpation, goniometry; (4) handling skills-bed mobility, positioning and draping, transfers, ambulation, and wheelchair training; (5) therapeutic exercise and massage; and (6) pharmacology. Laboratory fee required.
5409 Advanced Therapeutic Exercise and Muscle Testing (2-6)
Students will be given the opportunity (1) to assist and document normal and abnormal physiological responses to various types of therapeutic exercise; (2) to perform and record both manual and instrumental tests of muscle strength; (3) formulate functional goals and develop appropriate exercise programs for patients with selected pathological conditions; and (4) recommend appropriate exercise parameters for healthy individuals to promote health and physical fitness. Laboratory fee required.
Students will be given the opportunity: (1) to apply basic physical therapy knowledge and skills to patients in clinical settings, (2) to develop a preliminary understanding of expected clinical behavior, (3) to apply knowledge acquired from the first year of the curriculum including, but not limited to, human anatomy, basic pathology and human physiology to the physical therapy care of patients, and (4) to complete competencies as specified in The Blue MACS, 6th edition. Grading will be pass/fail. Department approval required. Prerequisite: PT 5115.
5418 Cardiorespiratory Disorders and Other Medical Conditions (3-3)
Students will be given the opportunity (1) to develop knowledge of the etiology and pathology of selected medical conditions including cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, cancer, burns and other wounds, and renal and pulmonary disorders; and (2) to demonstrate knowledge and skill in the therapeutic management of patients with these conditions. Laboratory fee required.
5422 Related Topics in Orthopedic Physical Therapy (3-3)
Students will be given the opportunity (1) to understand the principles, application, and use of common orthotic appliances; (2) to study peripheral nerve injuries and orthotic devices; (3) to study amputations and prosthetic devices; (4) develop skill in the analysis of abnormal gait; (5) to study the etiology and pathology of arthritis; (6) to develop skills in the evaluation and treatment of clients with arthritis; and (7) to develop skill in electrodiagnostic procedures.
5425 Clinical Education in Physical Therapy II (0-0-21)
Students will be given the opportunity: (1) to apply advanced physical therapy knowledge and skills to patients in orthopaedic settings, (2) to demonstrate competency in solving complex patient problems, and (3) to complete competencies as specified in The Blue MACS, 6th edition. Grading will be pass/fail. Prerequisite: PT 5413.
5443 Clinical Education in Physical Therapy III (0-0-21)
Students will be given the opportunity: (1) to apply advanced physical therapy knowledge and skills to patients in rehabilitation settings, primarily with neurologically involved patients, (2) to demonstrate competency in solving complex patient problems, and (3) to complete competencies as specified in The Blue MACS, 6th edition.
5528 Evaluation and Management of Adult Neurological Disorders (3-6)
Students will be given the opportunity (1) to study the etiology and pathology of disabilities resulting from central nervous dysfunction; (2) to discuss the current medical/surgical and pharmacological management of adult neurological disorders; (3) apply the principles of normal development as related to adult neurological disorders; (4) apply neurophysiological themes for the treatment alternatives frequently employed with the neurologically impaired adult; and (5) develop skills in the assessment and management of adults with central nervous system disabilities. Laboratory fee required.