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California State University, Long Beach
Department of Physical Therapy
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Department of Physical Therapy

PT program graduate with THA patient

The Physical Therapy curriculum is designed to prepare entry-level physical therapists to become an integral part of the medical rehabilitation team. Successful completion of the degree requirements and clinical internships qualifies one to write the State of California licensing examination to practice as a physical therapist.

The program is within the College of Health and Human Services .

MIssion

To prepare entry-level physical therapists who demonstrate exemplary critical thinking and clinical skills and are able to address the societal needs of a diverse community while adhering to the evolving professional standards of practice.

Vision

To graduate clinical doctorate physical therapists who are highly-valued professionals who practice autonomously in a highly diverse community.  Graduates will provide care in consideration of scientific evidence and will assume social responsibility in their communities.

Graduation Rate:

  • 2006-2008: 94%

  • 2009:83%

  • 2010: 86%

  • 2011: 88%, one student still matriculated, will be 92%

MPT Program Learning Outcomes

  • To pass required clinical internships (Criteria).

    • Ultimate pass rate from 2007-2010 is100%.

  • To pass National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) required for practice.

    • Ultimate pass rate

    • 2007-2009 = 100%

    • 2010: 94%

    • 2011: 100% of those taking examination (3 graduates have not taken yet and 1 moved out of state)

Employment Rate:

  • 100% of those passing NPTE examination

DPT Student Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate comprehension of the foundational, behavioral and clinical sciences for application to the physical therapy clinical setting.
2. Demonstrate skills necessary for entry-level doctoral practice.
3. Apply principles of critical thinking and evidence based practice to clinical decision making.
4. Communicate in a professional manner to a diverse population in clinical settings.
5. Apply ethical and legal standards of practice to patient care.

Accreditation

California State University, Long Beach is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

MPT program

The MPT program and DPT program at CSULB is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: www.capteonline.org.

CAPTE has “standards that assure quality and continuous improvement in the entry-level preparation of physical therapists, and reflect the evolving nature of education, research, and practice."

While the Academic Council of the APTA recognizes that there are proprietary organizations that rank physical therapist education programs, the profession encourages prospective students to provide their own comparisons through careful examination of information on program and APTA websites, and visits to the campuses to talk with enrolled students and program faculty.

 

 

News & Announcements

Full-time tenure-track position effective fall, 2013: Neuromusculoskeletal Rehabilitation

Department began the entry-level doctor of Physical Therapy degree program in May, 2012.

The Department received full approval from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) to begin the entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. The last M.P.T. class which entered in fall, 2011, will graduate in 2014.

Joyce Campbell receives CHHS Community Service Award for 2012.

OLLI recognizes Dr. Olfat Mohamed for helping seniors prevent falls.

Alumni News

Samuel R. Ward, BSPT, 1997, PhD, is College of Health & Human Services Distinguished Alumnus, 2012.

Sam is Associate Professor, Radiology, Orthopaedic Surgery and Bioentineering, UC San Diego. He is active in studying the mechanics and architecture of muscle. Sam is also a member of the CSULB PT Department Advisory Board and funds the annual biomechanics award for graduating MPT students.

Noel Marie Spina

Noel is offering a continuing education course on "Impacting Health Related Quality of Life Through the Use of Adaptive Ridiang Equipment" on February 2, 2013 and will be co-teaching another class"Getting off the Bench & into the Game: Linking Sensory Processing, Autism, & Paticipation" in June, 2013 at Pediatric Therapy Network in Torrance, CA.

Mike Bennett

Mike is chair and instructor of the Adapted Kinesiology Program at Saddleback College, Mission Viejo, CA. He is using his physical therapist expertise to educate kinesiology department staff and students in wellness activities for persons with disabilities. He also continues to work as a per diem therapist and enjoys spending time with his wife and daughters.