Physical therapy
A lot of work, but I know it's worth it :-)
Today we had our science club meeting, and one of the directors from SCCP medical school came to the college to talk to us pre-med students. The more he talked about what all was required and what the expectations were, the more I realized that I really want to be a physical therapist. Sure the road is going to be long, hard, and demanding... but I honestly believe that I'm going to make it. Anderson college has the third highest acceptance rate to SCCP (They combined MUSC and the USC medical school together this year), which is amazing! We have good schooling here at AC. :-) No wonder it's so hard...
Thought this was an eye opener to how hard it's gonna be to get into school: Chris, a biology major/pre-med student like me, asked how the acceptance was to get into the school. And the answer to that was: 1200 people apply and only 180 get accepted, isn't that crazy!? Wow. I know whenever I get my license, I'm going to proudly make people call me by Dr. (Maybe someday it will be Dr. Crosby?! Doesn't that sound HOTT! Shoot, it sounds a whole lot better than, Dr. Glanville) :-p Haha.
Anyways, I guess the reason I'm really into this at the moment is because I've been studying HARDCORE for my biology exam on thursday. I'm so scared, but at the same time... I'm not. I've studied countless hours, and I hope I keep my A in that class. (Cause I gotta keep at least a 3.5 for med school!) You know, it's tough sometimes, but I just love how there is a competition-like feeling in school. :-)
Well, back to studying for me! Much love to everyone. *muah*
Wish me luck on Thursday and Wednesday... better yet pray for me!
Physical therapy focuses primarily on those individuals whose potential or actual impairment is related to musculoskeletal, neuromusculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, and integumentary (skin) systems. It also focuses on methods of evaluating the functions of these systems and on the selection and application of appropriate therapeutic interventions to alleviate pain; to maintain, improve, or restore function; and to prevent dysfunction.
The Profession
Physical therapists are specialists in evaluating and treating disorders of the human body by using physical means rather than drugs. They are legally and ethically responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating a physical therapy program. This responsibility often includes instructing patients and their families and supervising physical therapist assistants, physical therapy aides, students, and other healthcare workers in carrying out the program or selected parts of it. The physical therapist consults and works closely with the patient's physician and other healthcare practitioners in establishing treatment objectives which are realistic and consistent with the patient's needs.
The physical therapist provides services aimed at preventing the onset and/or slowing the progression of conditions resulting from injury, disease and other causes. The physical therapist provides these services to people of all ages who have functional conditions resulting from back and neck injuries, sprains/strains and fractures, arthritis, burns, amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, birth defects such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida, injuries related to work and sports, and others.
Career Options
Physical therapists work in:
- hospitals
- outpatient clinics
- rehabilitation centers
- nursing homes
- schools
- homes
- hospice facilities
- research centers
- athletic facilities
- academic centers as educators
Skills Needed
- Good manual, observation, and communication skills
- Must enjoy physical activity, working with people, independence, and problem solving
Licensure
All states now require a license to practice. Each state has different procedures for obtaining licensure. In South Carolina, licensing information can be obtained by contacting:
S.C. Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation
South Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners
PO Box 11329
Columbia, S.C. 29211
Phone:(803) 896-4655
Web: www.llr.state.sc.us/POL/physical therapy
Curriculum
- Three-year entry-level graduate professional physical therapy curriculum
- Doctor of Physical Therapy degree awarded upon successful completion of coursework, professional development and clinical rotations
- Structured learning experiences allow students to apply theoretical knowledge, enhance professional behaviors, and developclinical skills
- Interdisciplinary classes held with physician assistant, occupational therapy and communication sciences and disorders students in addition to physical therapy specific core courses and clinical experiences
- One 7-week and three 8-week full-time clinical practicums are required involving direct patient care under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist
- Quality clinical practicum sites are available at facilities throughout the United States
Clinical education
The physical therapy faculty values the clinical education component of our integrated, comprehensive curriculum. Clinical education provides opportunities for the integration of didactic knowledge, psychomotor skills, clinical reasoning, time management, professional behaviors, and patient education principles within the confines of the current health care system and under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Our goal at MUSC is to provide the best clinical education experience possible. For this to occur, we rely on feedback from students, clinical and academic faculty.
Clinical sites
The physical therapy program affiliates with approximately 350 clinical education facilities. This provides opportunity for students to participate in a variety of clinical settings including, but not limited to:
- acute care
- outpatient facilities
- rehabilitation centers
- home health care
- pediatric sites
- geriatric sites
A wide variety of clinical sites are located throughout the United States.
Clinical rotations
- Students are assigned to one 7-week and three 8-week full-time clinical experiences.
- The 7-week clinical practicum occurs after the first year of academic course work.
- Students are assigned to acute care, outpatient or geriatric settings for these rotations.
- The final three clinical practicums occur at the successful completion of all academic coursework and professional development requirements. These clinical rotations may occur in any of the previously mentioned settings.
- Students are required to complete at least one rotation in an acute care setting, or a setting that provides opportunities to work with an underserved or rural population.
- Individual clinical experiences should reflect a breadth of experiences and spectrum of patient age ranges.
- Requirements for clinical rotations are at the personal expense of student physical therapists. MUSC does not guarantee housing or stipends while on clinical rotations. The student must consider these expenses prior to applying to the DPT program.
Admissions
Susan Johnson
Student Services Coordinator
Dept. of Rehabilitation Sciences
Phone: (843) 792-2961
Fax: (843) 792-0710
E-mail: johnsoss@musc.edu
Anne Welch
Admissions Coordinator
MUSC Office of Enrollment Services
Phone: (843) 792-5396
Fax: (843) 792-3764
E-mail: welcha@musc.edu
Mr. Peter Bowman, Director
Rehabilitation Sciences Recruitment
Phone: (843) 792-3942
Fax: (843) 792-0710
E-mail: bowmanpj@musc.edu
Application deadlines
Early: November 1
Regular: January 15
Late: April 1
* Late applications will be processed on a space available basis.
Welcome days
Early: December
Regular: February / March
Acceptances offered
Early: December
Regular: February
Late: On a space available basis.
Application checklist
- Complete university application
- Transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
- References
- Volunteer evaluation
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) results
- Completed prerequisite courses taken form
- Completed plans for remaining year form
NOTE: All above information must be received before an admission decision can be made.
http://www.musc.edu/chp/pt/