Adviser: Randy Bishop
Physical therapists work to improve the mobility, relieve the pain, and prevent or limit the permanent disability of patients suffering from injuries or disease. Their patients include accident victims or handicapped individuals with such conditions as nerve injuries, amputations, low back pain, arthritis, and heart disease. Some physical therapists treat a wide variety of problems and others specialize in such areas as pediatrics, orthopedics, and sports physical therapy. The working environment of physical therapists varies from specially equipped facilities in hospitals or clinics to schools, private offices, and private homes.
The program below meets Andrews University admission requirements, as well as Southern Adventist University’s requirements for an A.S. degree. This program can be modified to meet the requirements of other schools. The Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Andrews is three years (nine semesters) in length. For a complete description of Southern’s General Education requirements, refer to Academic Policies.
Observation Hours: Students must complete a minimum of 80 observation hours supervised by a licensed physical therapist in at least 3 different settings; at least 20 hours must be in an inpatient acute care or hospital setting. Please note that sub-acute, rehab, skilled nursing home or extended care facilities do not qualify as a hospital or acute care setting. See PTCAS for a copy of an Observation Hour Verification form.