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 .
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.
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.
The MPT degree has accepted its last class and new applications are for the DPT degree which will offer its first cohort class in June, 2012.
Up to 32 students enter the program each year, taking classes as a cohort for 3 years. Class size is 32 for lecture and 16 for labs. The 3-year curriculum begins with foundational science courses, the mastery of which is critical for success in the following cliical; science courses. A doctoral project of research under the direction of faculty is required. Clinical experiences include two 6-week summer affiliations, between years 1 and 2 and between years 2 and 3, a pro-bono classroom clinic in the second year of the program and 24 weeks of internship in the last year of the program.
Employment Rate:
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.
California State University, Long Beach is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
MPT program
The MPT program at CSULB is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
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."
The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
Department of Accreditation
American Physical Therapy Association
1111 North Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Telephone: 703-706-3245
Website: www.apta.org/CAPTE
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.
Alan, CHHS Distinguished alumnus in 2009, is a member of the Department Advisory Board and is a team physical therapist at international figure skating championships. Congratulations Alan and thank you for your CSULB support!
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 Department Advisory Board and funds the annual biomechanics award for graduating MPT students.
Amber Hulbert, PT, MPT, graduated as Amber Lopez in 2006. She has been working with CPTA and her local districts since she was a student, and has been an active member of the APTA since she started the PT program in 2004.
Amber currently serves as Vice-Chair and Newsletter Editor for the Long Beach South Bay District of the CPTA, and is always striving to encourage other PT's, especially CSULB alumni, to become active members in the APTA.
As a member, Amber has served as CPTA's annual State Conference Chair, attending conferences and leadership meetings throughout the state, and has helped plan local continuing education and networking opportunities with PT's and PT students from CSULB.
It was hard work by CPTA, as well as faculty from CSULB that supported passage of AB 2382 which granted physical therapy programs in the CSU system the authority to confer a Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy. A key part of the work was at Legislative Day where CPTA members, including CSULB PT Chair Cerny and CSULB PT students, convinced our representatives of the benefit of the DPT in the CSU system.
In March, Amber will represent Long Beach and her district by participating in Legislative Day in Sacramento. Over 200 PT’s, PTA’s and PT students will meet with legislators in support of several bills in the legislature that have a direct impact on the Physical Therapy profession. This Leg Day opportunity is open to all CPTA members annually.
To learn more about SB 924, which will allow consumers to directly access physical therapy services, visit www.ccapta.org
Of course, you cannot become a leader like Amber unless you are a member of APTA. Other benefits of APTA membership include discounts for Conferences, Continuing Education, PT publications, and on-line courses, as well as networking opportunities, and most importantly, a voice in the future of the physical therapy profession.
For more information on how to become more involved in CPTA, and the Long BeachSouth Bay District, please contact Amber at AmberHulbert@hotmail.com.
