Healthcare Directory

66 | 2017 Medical & Dental Directory Today physical therapists are highly educated, licensed health care professionals who can help patients reduce pain and improve or restore mobility and function that has been impaired or threatened by disability, injury or disease. PHYSICAL THERAPY EDUCATION Educating Future Physical Therapists: DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY (DPT) PROGRAM UNVEILED AT METHODIST UNIVERSITY Research is supporting that physical therapy can help some patients avoid surgery and often reduce the need for long-term use of prescription medications. The profession of physical therapy can date back to when Restoration Aides worked overseas and in the States helping to rehabilitate injured soldiers during World War I. Methodist University recently added a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program to its School of Health Sciences. The DPT program joins the established physician assistant and nursing programs, with a Doctor of Occupational Therapy program slated to begin in the fall of 2018. The physical therapy program is the first doctorate degree program to be offered by Methodist University. The DPT program accepted 40 students into the inaugural class, which began in August of 2015. Demand for the physical therapy program is high and with little wonder. On its list of "Top 100 Jobs," U.S. News & World Report ranks physical therapy in the top 15 percent. Forbes Magazine consistently ranks physical therapy as one of the "10 Happiest Jobs." The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting a 34 percent growth in the field through 2024. Recently, the DPT program moved into the new 38,000-square-foot Thomas R. McLean Health Sciences Building. The building houses multiple labs equipped with the latest technology for training and research. The biomechanics lab holds a 14-camera motion- capture system as well as a portable electromagnetic system. During activities such as running, walking, kicking or throwing, forces can be determined using the capture systems, with the results used to help prevent or rehabilitate injuries. The Human Performance Lab houses a Bod Pod, which is considered the gold standard for body composition assessment. There is also a full metabolic cart and the Biodex isokinetic testing and balance assessment equipment. Faculty BY GERMAINE BOWLES

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