Physical Therapy
Accredited through CAPTE
Physical Therapy Named Best Job in 2012
Significant Growth Expected in Field of Physical Therapy
OVERVIEW OF THE PROGRAM
The mission of the Doctorate in Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) program is to educate students to become competent, compassionate and ethical practitioners in a variety of health care settings. Graduates will be highly dedicated professionals with excellent patient-care, communication, critical-thinking, patient-education and advocacy, management, and research skills.
The goals of the program are to:
- Strive as a faculty to meet the needs of the changing health care environment, continually improve our skills, and be good role models in all areas of practice
- Prepare physical therapists who demonstrate commitment to their profession through active participation in their communities and strong advocacy for patients
- Inspire physical therapy students throughout the educational proceess at UCF to be intellectually aware of their responsibilities as a growing professional in the community
- Contribute to the achievements of faculty members and students and produce measurable improvements in their higher learning
- Foster an environment of creativity, cultural diversity and innovation, preparing students to be active leaders in the profession
The Program in Physical Therapy is a three-year (nine consecutive semesters) professional curriculum designed to prepare entry-level therapists to practice in a variety of clinical settings. The professional curriculum is a full-time, "lock-step" program with no opportunity to take courses other than those prescribed by the curriculum.
The program includes clinical practicums and internships ranging from six weeks to twelve weeks long. Applicants should note that one or more of the clinical practicums may be assigned at a site sufficiently removed from the Orlando area and require the student to provide transportation and housing.
Admissions decisions are made only once per academic year. Incoming students begin the program in the summer semester.
Students who successfully complete the course of study will be granted a D.P.T., enabling the graduate to seek membership in the American Physical Therapy Association and to qualify to take the national board examination leading to state licensure as a Physical Therapist.
UCF's Program in Physical Therapy is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education.
Physical Therapy Videos
Meet alumna Karlyn Dauplaise (M.S., physical therapy, ’06) a physical therapist at Florida Hospital in Orlando.
PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
According to numerous national reporting agencies, the job outlook for competent physical therapists should remain strong well into the 2lst century.
Although physical therapists may work in hospitals or medical centers, more than 70% are employed in rehab centers, sports facilities, home health settings, pediatric facilities, research institutions, nursing centers and many other large corporations. In addition, physical therapists may be employees or serve as owners or partners in private practice settings.
For further information on training, other qualifications, employment, job outlook, earnings and other sources, visit www.bls.gov/oco/print/ocos080.htm.
According to Yahoo! Financials, Physical Therapy is one of the fastest growing fields in the country today. Here are the facts:
Median pay: $75,900
Top pay: $97,800
10-year job growth: 30%
Total jobs: 190,000
The job: Health care is a booming field, and the demand for physical therapists is increasing apace. You'll need to go back to school to learn the techniques for increasing patient mobility and decreasing pain, but the two- to three-year graduate program is still far shorter than the time it takes to become a doctor. You can do a nursing degree in that time, but pay and satisfaction are better for PTs.
How to switch: You'll need a master's or the increasingly common three-year doctorate. Learn more at apta.org.
Quality of life ratings:
Personal satisfaction: A
Benefit to society: A
Low stress: C
Flexibility: B
HOW TO APPLY TO THE PROGRAM
Please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions for answers to the most commonly asked questions regarding the Physical Therapy program.
Please note: The Documentation of Observation Hours Form must be submitted to UCF Graduate Admissions along with your application.
For information on program curriculum, prerequisites and admission requirements, visit www.graduate.ucf.edu.
For an application, visit www.graduate.ucf.edu/gradonlineapp/.
Students must also take additional hours of upper-division courses in the Department of Health Professions.
CONTACT US
Patrick S. Pabian, PT, DPT, SCS, OCS, CSCS
InterimProgram Director
Director of Clinical Education
HPA I- 256
Phone: 407-823-3470
Ms. Samantha Moya
Coordinator of Academic Support & Services
HPA I - 261
E-mail: samantha.moya@ucf.edu
Phone: 407-823-6026
*Contact Samantha for admissions inquiries
Ms. Brianna Moore
Office Assistant
HPA1-256
E-mail: brianna.moore@ucf.edu
Phone: 407-823-3462
*Contact Brianna for general program information
